B: Today, we will explore a sweet treat that melts in your mouth and also warms your heart, a candy with a name as beautiful as its taste: Happiness Candy!

A: Also known internationally as Nougat, this chewy, nutty confection has become increasingly popular in Vietnam, especially during the festive season.

B: To learn more about this delightful candy, we spoke with food blogger HuongThao, who has made a name for herself through her love of homemade sweets.

“To be honest, I don’t really know why it’s called Happiness Candy. Around the world, people simply call it Nougat. It seems that only in Vietnam we have this lovely name, though no one knows exactly who came up with it.What we do know is that this candy often sells very well during Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and New Year. Maybe it’s because the sweetness and abundance of ingredients symbolize love, luck, and happiness, so people love sharing it on these joyful occasions. That’s probably why it has become known as the candy of happiness,” HuongThao said. 

Nougat, the candy of happiness (Photo: Huong Thao)

A: Nougat actually has a long history. It’s believed to have originated from the Mediterranean region, where people made it with honey, nuts, and egg whites. Over time, the recipe spread across Europe and Asia, taking on different textures and flavors along the way.

B: In some countries, nougat is hard and crunchy, while in others, it’s soft and chewy. Each version reflects the local ingredients and tastes. In Vietnam, nougat has been reinvented with a tropical touch, colorful, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness.

A: Food blogger HuongThao says Vietnamese nougat are favored with its own charm and flavor. 

“The taste of nougat varies from country to country because each place uses local ingredients. In Vietnam, the candy is usually chewy and sweet, mixed with all kinds of nuts and dried fruits which are colorful and rich in flavor. Nowadays, you can find nougat in matcha, chocolate, coffee, or strawberry flavors. But for me, I prefer the traditional version. I focus more on the harmony of ingredients. Once the flavor feels complete, I don’t add more variations," HuongThao said.

A: I love how she keeps it simple, focusing on the harmony of ingredients rather than adding too many flavors.

In Vietnam, nougat has been reinvented with a tropical touch, colorful, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness (Photo: Huong Thao)

B: So, what exactly goes into making this “Happiness Candy”? Here’s HuongThao again with more details.

“Happiness Candy is usually made from marshmallows, butter, and milk powder, combined with a mix of nuts.How you combine them really depends on your own taste. The key is to use fresh ingredients so the candy has a natural aroma and a soft, chewy texture.All of these ingredients are easy to find in the market, or you can simply replace them with whatever local products you have on hand,” HuongThao again. 

A: I’m curious how Tho turns all those ingredients into such a beautiful, nutty treat. Let’s listen as she walks us through her process.

"The candy I make is less sweet, with plenty of nuts and fruits in every piece, from BìnhPhước cashews and almonds to pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and bits of orange peel, raisins, and cranberries.I always roast the nuts right before mixing them in. It’s a bit more work, but it gives the candy a lovely nutty aroma.Making this candy is actually quite simple: melt the butter, add marshmallows and milk powder, stir until smooth, then mix in all the nuts and fruits. Pour it into a mold, let it cool, and wrap each piece.The key is to blend the base until it’s soft and chewy. Once you get that right, your candy will turn out perfect,” HuongThao said. 

A: Some say you can taste the season in a bite of nougat, a little warmth, a little sweetness, and the simple joy of something made with love.Maybe that’s why it’s called “Happiness Candy.” It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it reminds us that joy doesn’t have to be grand, sometimes, it’s just something we make and share with care.

B: You’ve been listening to Food Delight. See you next time with more flavors, more stories, and a little more joy to share. Until then, bye.