Mè Xửng – Huế's Famous Sesame Candy

Mè Xửng Sesame Candy – The Essence of Huế Cuisine and Culture

Huế is famous for its elaborate, refined royal cuisine, yet it also has many simple countryside treats rich in local character. Among them, mè xửng sesame candy is one of the dishes that best reflects the region's culinary style.
Mè xửng is loved for its flavour, and it also carries the spirit of traditional culture. It is a gift that captures the spirit of Huế: gentle, rustic and deep. Through many generations, this candy has stayed a favourite of locals and of visitors from near and far.

A Distinctive Flavour from Simple, Natural Ingredients

The main ingredients of mè xửng are golden toasted white sesame seeds, pure cane sugar, fragrant chewy malt syrup and sometimes a little ginger for a gentle warmth. The ingredients are simple and familiar, but combined according to the traditional recipe they create a truly unique flavour: sweet but never cloying, chewy but not sticky, nutty and fragrant without being heavy.
What sets Huế's mè xửng apart is the careful balance of ingredients and precise heating technique. Each piece has just the right chewiness. It is neither hard nor too soft, and every bite is fragrant, delicious and “moreish”.

Painstaking Craftsmanship – Preserving a Traditional Trade

A good batch of mè xửng takes many steps, plus patience and experience. The craftsman selects fresh ingredients, toasts the sesame evenly and cooks the sugar and malt at exactly the right temperature. The mixture is then blended, poured into moulds and cut.
Every step is done by hand to keep the traditional flavour intact. Many families in Huế have made mè xửng for generations and see it as a family craft to be preserved and passed on. Batches of mè xửng, rich with the aroma of sesame and naturally sweet and chewy, show the skill of Huế's artisans.

A Meaningful Souvenir, Full of Huế Character

Mè xửng is more than a local specialty. It is a gift that carries the warmth and culture of the people of Huế. Its packaging keeps improving, from traditional to modern designs, and mè xửng has become a popular choice for Tết and other holidays, for travellers and as a gift for loved ones.
Giving someone a box of mè xửng is like sharing a piece of Huế's soul: rustic, sweet and heartfelt. Whether you love food or are looking for a special gift from Central Vietnam, mè xửng is a must.