08/09/2026
Does anyone here know this funny little velvety fruit? 😊🤎
In Vietnam, it is known as "Trái xay lông", "Trái xay', "Trái say", or "Trái nhung" (velvet fruit). Its scientific name is Dialium cochinchinense, and in English it is commonly called "velvet tamarind".
It is a small wild fruit, especially well known in parts of central and southern Vietnam, including the Ninh Thuận – Phan Rang area (near Nha Trang seaside area).
The fruit is only about 2 cm long, slightly oval and flattened, with a dark brown to almost black shell covered in a fine velvety fuzz — which is why it is sometimes called trái nhung, meaning “velvet fruit.” 😊
To eat it, you simply press or crack the shell open. Inside, you’ll find a soft yellowish pulp with a slightly dry, powdery texture.
And the taste? 😋
It starts off pleasantly sour, then gradually becomes mildly sweet. That sweet-and-sour combination is what makes this little fruit so addictive.
In Vietnam, it can be eaten as it is, as a small snack. But one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is xay rim đường — the fruit is cooked or coated with sugar until it becomes sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky. There are also versions prepared with salt and chili for those who love that sweet-salty-spicy combination. 🌶️😋
In Phan Rang, trái say rim đường is considered a local specialty.
How about you? Have you ever seen or tasted this little fruit? 😊
Do you prefer it plain, with sugar, or with salt and chili? 🤎🌶️
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