Chè lam Phủ Quảng — the signature treat of Thanh Hoa

Chè lam Phủ Quảng was a famous specialty of Thanh Hoa province. The chewy bar was fragrant with roasted glutinous rice, naturally sweet from sugarcane molasses, and coated with crispy roasted sesame. It was the rural gift that anyone far from home remembered.

Fragrant roasted glutinous rice flour
Naturally sweet sugarcane molasses
Crispy roasted sesame coating
Chewy, long-lasting fragrance

Origins

Phủ Quảng – Vĩnh Lộc

The most famous chè lam originated from Phủ Quảng, Vĩnh Lộc district, Thanh Hoa. This area was renowned for fragrant glutinous rice and sugarcane. Phủ Quảng chè lam was recognized as the signature specialty of Thanh Hoa.

Gift and Tết treat

Chè lam was traditionally a prized gift. Workers returning from far away brought chè lam as gifts. During Tết, chè lam was displayed on the offering tray alongside bánh chưng and Tết confections.

Traditional production

Roasting glutinous rice flour

Glutinous rice was washed, ground into flour, and roasted over low heat until fragrant and golden. The roasted flour was the main ingredient that determined the flavor.

Cooking with molasses

Sugarcane molasses was heated to boiling, mixed with roasted flour, minced ginger, and roasted peanuts. Stirred continuously until the mixture became pliable and non-sticky.

Rolling and cutting

The mixture was spread on a flour-dusted surface, rolled thin, sprinkled with roasted sesame, and cut into long rectangular bars. Wrapped in paper or banana leaves.

Distinctive flavor

Chewy with rice fragrance

Chè lam was chewy like candy, each bite releasing the fragrance of roasted glutinous rice. The sweetness was natural from molasses, never cloying.

Crispy sesame coating

The outer layer of roasted sesame was crumbly and fragrant. The nutty richness of sesame harmonized with the sweet chewiness inside.

Chè lam then and now

Then — handcrafted

In the old days, chè lam was entirely handmade, from roasting flour to cooking molasses. Each family had their own secret recipe. Chè lam kept well and was convenient to carry.

Now — large-scale production

Today chè lam is produced on a larger scale, packaged and sold everywhere. It remains Thanh Hoa's signature specialty. But handcrafted chè lam still tastes better.

You may also want to explore

Old Northern chè con ong — traditional sweet soup
Old Northern peanut sesame candy — Tết sweet treats
Old Northern cốm làng Vòng — glutinous rice treat
Old Northern bánh trôi bánh chay — festival rice dish

Frequently asked questions about chè lam

What is chè lam?

Chè lam is a chewy bar made from roasted glutinous rice flour, sugarcane molasses, and roasted sesame. It is Thanh Hoa's most famous specialty.

Is chè lam a liquid dessert?

No. Chè lam is a solid chewy bar, not a liquid sweet soup. The word "chè" here uses the old meaning of "sweet confection."

How long does chè lam keep?

Chè lam keeps 2–4 weeks at room temperature, longer if stored cool.

Why is Phủ Quảng famous for it?

Because the glutinous rice and sugarcane from the Phủ Quảng area are especially fragrant and sweet, producing distinctively superior chè lam.

Where to buy chè lam?

Chè lam is widely available in Thanh Hoa, specialty shops, and can be ordered online.