Ben Tre – the “Coconut land” of the Southwest region – has long been famous for its traditional coconut candy making. This sweet, fatty candy is considered a specialty crystallized from nature and local culture.
The coconut candy-making profession appeared around the 1930s in the Mo Cay district, Ben Tre Province (currently merged into Vinh Long Province), pioneered by Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc; at the time, the candy was locally called “Mo Cay candy”.
By 1970, Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh in Ben Tre town improved the processing method and established the Thanh Long coconut candy facility, creating the first Ben Tre coconut candy brand and bringing this specialty far and wide.
From the initial handmade coconut candies, “Ben Tre coconut candy” gradually became the culinary pride of this land and became famous throughout the country.
Traditional coconut candy production process
Process coconut candy in a large pan: the mixture of coconut milk, malt, and granulated sugar is simmered continuously on the stove until thickened. To make delicious candy, the selection of ingredients is very important: the coconut must be old coconut with thick flesh, the malt must be good quality sticky rice, and the sugar should be golden granulated sugar for a sweet taste.
Using traditional manual methods, the coconut candy maker carries out many meticulous steps in sequence. First, the malt is cooked from soaked sticky rice to germinate, developing its natural sweetness. At the same time, the dried coconut is shaved and pressed to get the coconut milk. Next, the coconut milk is mixed with malt and sugar (natural flavoring can be added depending on the type of candy), and then everything is put in a large pan and cooked on the stove. The most important step is simmering the candy – the maker must continuously stir the mixture in the hot pan until the coconut milk thickens into a thick, chewy candy.
When the candy reaches the right temperature, people pour it into a mold or large tray coated with oil to prevent sticking, wait for it to cool, and then use a knife to cut it into small pieces. Finally, each candy is wrapped in a thin layer of edible rice paper (which prevents sticking and absorbs moisture) and then wrapped in outer paper, completing the coconut candy.
In the past, all these steps were done by hand; the worker had to wake up early in the morning to cook malt, scrape coconut, simmer the candy, and wrap the candy completely by hand.
Nowadays, many establishments have machines to support stirring and cutting candy to increase productivity; however, the traditional manual method is still used in some places to preserve the characteristic flavor of Ben Tre coconut candy.
In addition to the traditional flavored coconut candy (which has only the original coconut flavor), Ben Tre artisans also create many new flavors, such as durian, peanuts, pandan leaves, and cocoa, to meet customers’ diverse tastes. Each candy thus retains both the rustic soul of the countryside and the craftsman’s unique creativity.
Outstanding coconut candy brands
Ben Tre currently has many coconut candy production facilities, of which some long-standing brands are very popular in the market:
- Ben Tre Coconut Candy – Ms. Hai To: A long-standing brand, starting production in 1978. Ms. Hai’s coconut candy is famous for its delicate flavor from natural coconut and its commitment to using clean ingredients, ensuring food safety. The image of “Ms. Hai To” is associated with this brand, representing the dedication and traditional craftsmanship of the coconut land.
- Tuyet Phung Coconut Candy: A traditional coconut candy facility with over 40 years of experience. Tuyet Phung Candy stands out for its delicious classic coconut candy flavor, while also diversifying its product line with banana and pineapple candy to serve both domestic and export markets.
- Thanh Long Coconut Candy: The first coconut candy brand in Ben Tre, founded by Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh in 1970. To date, Thanh Long coconut candy has developed multiple product lines, obtained quality certifications, and exports to the US and Australian markets.
- Hong Van Coconut Candy: Famous for its diverse coconut candies and has won many awards for quality. This is a family brand founded by a couple in Ben Tre, producing coconut candy using their own secret recipe that combines tradition and innovation.
- Yen Hoang Coconut Candy: An innovative brand when launching a type of crispy coconut candy (dried coconut candy) that does not stick to teeth, thanks to the application of modern technology. Yen Hoang Candy still retains the characteristic fatty aroma of coconut, a harmonious combination of new techniques and traditional values.
In addition, many other brands enrich the “coconut candy map” of Ben Tre, such as Du Thao coconut candy (standing out for its unique fruit flavors and reduced sweetness) and Ngoc Mai. Each brand has its own characteristics to attract customers.
Coconut candy craft village tourist destination
Tourists visit a coconut candy production facility, observing the process of cutting and hand-wrapping candy. Thanks to the appeal of coconut candy specialties, craft villages in Ben Tre have become attractive destinations on the tourist map. When coming to the land of coconuts, visitors often do not miss the opportunity to visit coconut candy production facilities to witness the production process and enjoy hot coconut candy fresh from the oven. Currently, the coconut candy craft village in Ben Tre Ward is the most famous place, attracting many visitors.
In addition, many eco-tours in Ben Tre also include visits to traditional coconut candy kilns in the Chau Thanh and Mo Cay. For example, visitors can visit the coconut candy facility in Phung islet or the Tam Trung coconut candy kiln in Tan Thach commune – places ready to welcome visitors to see the process of making handmade candy.
In the craft villages, visitors can not only observe the candy makers, cut the candy, and wrap it themselves, but also taste the soft, sweet, fatty coconut candy that has just come out of the oven. These authentic experiences help visitors better understand the unique labor culture of the coconut land, and at the same time, Ben Tre coconut candy also becomes a meaningful gift that many people buy after the trip.
Source: collected by An
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