Hue Sesame Candy (Me Xung Hue) – Traditional Flavor in a Gift Package from the Dreamy Land

Hue sesame candy (Mè xửng Huế) has long been an indispensable part of the culinary landscape of the imperial city, which was once the cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. The name “mè xửng” encapsulates the essence of this traditional gift: “mè” refers to the rich, nutty golden-roasted sesame seeds, while “xửng” describes the concentrated sugar cooking technique that creates its very own chewy texture. 

Far more than just a simple snack, mè xửng carries the spirit of community bonding, often present in Tet feasts, death anniversary gatherings, or presented as a cherished gift. The delicate sweetness of malt syrup, blended with the rich aroma of roasted sesame and peanuts, makes it unforgettable for visitors near and far.

Today, Hue sesame candy is not only a rustic sweet but also regarded as a symbol of the sophistication, skill, and poetic soul of the people of Hue. Each piece of candy is the crystallization of artisans' hands, both simple and elegant, making it a meaningful gift to give to loved ones and friends after visiting the ancient capital.

Hue sesame candy is made from simple ingredients that require careful selection:

• Sesame seeds (Mè): Golden-roasted sesame seeds that create a characteristic rich and nutty aroma.
• Peanuts: Crispy roasted peanuts that add richness and a crunchy texture.
• Malt syrup: The key component that creates chewiness and imparts a delicate, mild sweetness.
• White sugar: Provides a harmonious, non-overpowering sweetness.
• Rice flour or tapioca starch: Helps the candy achieve a soft, pliable texture that does not stick to the teeth.
• Vanilla or ginger (optional): Enhances the signature flavor, especially in ginger sesame candy.

The delicate combination of these ingredients creates a candy with a balanced flavor profile: sweet without being cloying, chewy without being sticky, fragrant and nutty from the sesame and peanuts.

Hue sesame candy comes in several variations to satisfy diverse palates:

• Chewy sesame candy (Mè xửng dẻo): The most popular variety, distinguished by its soft, chewy texture and mild sweetness, coated with a layer of golden roasted sesame seeds. This is an ideal choice for a gift.
• Crispy sesame candy (Mè xửng giòn): Features an added outer layer of grilled rice paper, offering a satisfying crunch when bitten. This type is suitable for those who prefer a lighter sweetness and a firmer texture.
• Mirror sesame candy (Mè xửng gương): Thin and transparent like a mirror, offering a refined sweet taste with a hint of ginger fragrance for a unique experience.

According to the National Institute of Nutrition, one piece of sesame candy (40g) provides about 164 kcal, equivalent to the energy of a medium bowl of rice noodle soup. Made with natural ingredients like sesame, peanuts, and malt syrup, mè xửng is not only delicious but also provides quick energy, making it an ideal snack or a meaningful gift.

Hue sesame candy is born from the meticulousness and skillful hands of candy makers, where every single step requires patience and subtlety. Artisans in Hue often roast sesame seeds and peanuts over low heat to fully retain their rich, nutty aroma without burning them. White sugar is cooked together with malt syrup and stirred continuously until thick and crystal clear, then blended with rice flour or tapioca starch to achieve its signature soft chewiness. When the mixture is poured into molds pre-dusted with a layer of golden sesame, rolled thin, and sprinkled with another coating of sesame on top, a sweet fragrance fills the whole kitchen. Once cooled, the maker skillfully cuts the candy into neat, bite-sized pieces and wraps them carefully to preserve their flavor for a long time.

Even though modern machinery is available today, many reputable establishments in Hue still stick to traditional hand-crafting methods. Only through this authentic process can mè xửng reach the ideal transparency and chewiness without sticking to teeth, while keeping the crisp, nutty aroma of sesame and peanuts intact. It is this dedication and refinement in every step that elevates mè xửng beyond a simple candy into a symbol of the skill, patience, and graceful soul of Hue's people.

The proper way to enjoy Hue sesame candy is to sip it alongside a hot cup of tea, especially lotus tea—a signature tea of Hue. The mild sweetness of the candy harmonizes with the gentle astringency of the tea, creating a refined culinary experience deeply rooted in the culture of the ancient capital. If lotus tea is not available, you can substitute it with green tea or other tea varieties.

Hue sesame candy is an ideal snack for all ages, from young children to the elderly. With elegant packaging that is easy to preserve, it is also a perfect gift choice for family, friends, or business partners after a trip to Hue.

Here are reputable brands and places to buy Hue sesame candy:

• Thien Huong Sesame Candy: Established in 1940, this is the oldest brand, famous for authentic chewy and crispy sesame candies. Address: 20 Chi Lang, Phu Cat, Hue City. Reference price: 17,000–20,000 VND / 150g pack.
• Nam Thuan Sesame Candy: Beloved for its variety of products, ranging from chewy and crispy sesame candies to peanut sweets. Address: 201 Huynh Thuc Khang, Hue City. Reference price: From 10,000 VND.
• Tai Ky Sesame Candy: Known for its traditional production process and open for tourist visits. Address: 49 Ngo Thi Nham, Hue City.
• Phu Cuong Sesame Candy: 13b Duy Tan, An Cuu, Hue City.
• Dong Ba Market: A central hub for many sesame candy brands, very convenient for tourists. Address: 02 Tran Hung Dao, Hue City.

If you cannot visit Hue in person, you can order sesame candy from reputable websites such as:

• dacsanhue.info: Offers various types of sesame candy from Thien Huong and Thien Bao with prices from 30,000–110,000 VND / pack.
• phuocvihoian.com: Phuoc Vi sesame candy, price at 34,000 VND / 200g bag.
• quahueonline.com: Diverse products from Thien Huong with fast delivery.

Reference Prices

• Chewy sesame candy: 35,000 VND / 200g bag.
• Crispy sesame candy: 30,000–50,000 VND / 160–400g bag.
• Mirror sesame candy: Similar price range, depending on brand and weight.

Hue sesame candy is not just a sweet treat, but also a story of culture, craftsmanship, and the soul of the ancient capital's people. Whether you enjoy it on the spot or bring it home as a gift, mè xửng is always a wonderful way to experience the traditional flavor of Hue. Try savoring a piece of mè xửng with a cup of lotus tea, and you will understand why this souvenir from the dreamy land captivates so many hearts.