Kẹo lạc kẹo vừng — childhood Tết candy

Kẹo lạc kẹo vừng (peanut and sesame candy) was the familiar Tết treat of Northern Vietnamese children. Golden peanut candy bars, crispy and crumbly, sweet with molasses. Sesame candy in white and black, fragrant and nutty. One bite brought back an entire Tết of the past.

Golden crispy peanut candy with molasses
Fragrant sesame candy in white and black
The most memorable childhood Tết treat
Crispy crumbly in every bite

Ingredients

Peanuts and sesame

Peanuts (whole kernels) were roasted golden and crispy. Sesame (white or black) was roasted fragrant. Both must be roasted thoroughly without burning—crispy and aromatic.

Sugarcane molasses

Sugarcane molasses was the main binding agent. Pure molasses, thick and dark brown. When cooked to "thread stage" (a drop in cold water forms a thread), it was ready.

Making process

Cooking the molasses

Molasses was brought to a boil then lowered, stirred constantly. When it reached "thread stage" (a drop in cold water formed a pliable thread), it was done.

Mixing and cutting

Roasted peanuts or sesame were poured into the molasses, stirred quickly. Spread evenly on a tray, pressed flat. Cut into square bars while still hot.

Peanut vs sesame candy

Peanut candy

Golden, with whole crunchy peanuts. One bite crumbled crisply—sweet molasses, nutty roasted peanuts.

Sesame candy

Thinner, coated evenly with roasted sesame. White sesame was fragrant, black sesame richer. Ultra-crispy crumble.

Childhood memories

Tết treats

Every Tết, mothers bought peanut and sesame candy to display on plates. Children eagerly waited to eat candy. Each bar was a small joy.

Today

Peanut and sesame candy is still sold at Northern Tết markets. But fewer families make their own. Factory candy tastes different from handmade.

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Frequently asked questions about kẹo lạc kẹo vừng

How are peanut and sesame candy different?

Peanut candy uses whole roasted peanuts and is thicker. Sesame candy uses roasted sesame seeds and is thinner and crispier.

What is "thread stage"?

A way to test molasses doneness: a drop in cold water forms a pliable thread when ready.

Why doesn't modern candy taste the same?

Factory candy uses sugar instead of real molasses, and the peanuts and sesame aren't roasted as carefully as handmade versions.

How long does it keep?

In dry conditions, sealed, it kept for 2–3 weeks. Traditionally wrapped in wax paper.

Which regions are famous for this candy?

Peanut and sesame candy was made throughout Northern Vietnam, especially in Hà Nội, Hưng Yên, and Nam Định.