Sweet Delights: Cheat Day ft. Asian Desserts
Submitted by Jodie Li
When I have my cheat days, my heart always stays close to Asian cuisines. With various alluring flavors and textures of food, it’s hard to resist my sweet tooth. From crispy pastries to creamy rice dishes, these indulgent treats bring a taste of tradition and satisfaction, making them perfect for a day of indulgence. Here’s a look at some must-try Asian-themed cheat day desserts I recommend and adore the taste of:
1. Honey Toast
Originating from Japan, Honey Toast (Shibuya Toast) features a thick slice of toasted bread, buttered and baked until crispy outside but soft inside. Topped with honey, whipped cream, and fruits like bananas or strawberries, but some stores have been creative and made their own creation of toppings inside the toast. This treat combines textures and sweetness for a delicious bite.
2. Chinese Pastries
Chinese pastries offer a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Some popular ones include:
- Coconut Cream Bun – Soft buns filled with sweet coconut cream.
- Custard Bun – Steamed buns with creamy custard filling.
- Egg Tart – Flaky pastry crust with rich, creamy egg custard.
- Rou Song Bun – Sweet and savory buns filled with pork floss.
These pastries deliver a range of flavors, perfect for any cheat day.
3. Mango Sticky Rice
A Thai favorite, Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) blends sweet and savory flavors. Glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk is served with ripe mango slices and topped with more coconut cream and sesame seeds. This tropical dessert is rich, creamy, and satisfying.
4. Hotteok
Hotteok, a popular Korean street food, is a sweet pancake filled with caramelized brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. The crispy exterior and gooey interior make it a warm, satisfying treat, best enjoyed straight off the griddle with a comforting first bite.
5. Che Ba Mau (Three-Color Dessert)
This Vietnamese treat features layers of mung beans, red beans, and green jelly topped with coconut milk and crushed ice. Che Ba Mau brings a combination of texture: these include a creamy, chewy, and crunchy touch, making it the perfect cool and refreshing dessert.
From Honey Toast to Che Ba Mau, these Asian-themed cheat day desserts showcase a variety of flavors and cultural heritage. Whether you prefer creamy, crispy, sweet, or savory, these indulgent treats promise to make you reminisce about this cheat day again!
