Saigon Cinnamon Sticks (From Vietnam)

The Sweetest, Strongest, Most Aromatic Cinnamon You Can Buy

If you’ve only ever used basic grocery-store cinnamon, prepare to have your mind blown. Saigon Cinnamon Sticks—grown in the misty, mountainous regions of Vietnam—are famous for their intense sweetness, fiery warmth, and sky-high essential oil content. These sticks aren’t gentle. They’re bold, fragrant, and loaded with natural flavor that transforms anything they touch.

The Flavor Profile: Ultra-Sweet, Warm, Spicy, and Powerfully Aromatic

Saigon cinnamon sits at the top of the cinnamon hierarchy for a reason. Expect:

• Natural sugary sweetness (no sugar added—this is all flavor)

• A strong, warm, spicy punch

• Extremely high oil content (often 5%+) that delivers massive aroma

• A deep, red-gold color and rich, heady scent

• Flavor that holds up beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes

It’s bold. It’s beautiful. It’s the cinnamon chefs reach for when they want maximum impact.

Where Saigon Cinnamon Comes From: Vietnam’s Mountain-Grown Treasure

Native to Central & Northern Vietnam

Saigon cinnamon (also called Cinnamomum loureiroi) grows best in:

• Quảng Nam

• Yên Bái

• Quảng Ngãi

• The Central Highlands

These regions provide the perfect terroir—rich soil, heavy rainfall, mountain elevation—that helps this cinnamon develop its trademark high oil content and unmatched sweetness.

Rooted in Centuries of Southeast Asian Tradition

Saigon cinnamon has been used for:

• Traditional medicine

• Herbal teas

• Sweet treats

• Vietnamese broths (including phở)

• Incense and ceremonial blends

Its powerful aroma made it a prized export for centuries, sought after across China, India, the Middle East, and eventually Europe.

Why Saigon Cinnamon Became a Global Favorite

High Oil Content = Stronger, Better Flavor

Compared to common cassia cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon contains dramatically more essential oils—meaning you get:

• Faster flavor extraction

• More potent aroma

• More intense cinnamon heat

• Better performance in simmered dishes

Naturally Sweeter

Because it comes from trees that mature slowly, the bark contains more natural sugars and aromatics. That’s why Saigon cinnamon tastes almost “candy-sweet.”

Perfect for Slow Simmering

The whole stick releases flavor gradually, making it ideal for soups, stews, beverages, and broths.

Aromatic and Beautiful

People around the world value it not only for flavor, but also for its fragrance and gorgeous appearance.

How to Use Saigon Cinnamon Sticks in Your Kitchen

Sweet Applications

• Oatmeal, porridge, and rice pudding

• Simmered cider, mulled wine, or hot toddies

• Chai tea and spiced coffee

• Custards, creams, and infused syrups

• Poaching liquids for fruit

Savory Favorites

• Phở (Saigon cinnamon is essential!)

• Vietnamese braises

• Indian curries and biryanis

• Moroccan tagines

• Middle Eastern rice pilafs

Creative Uses

• Cinnamon-infused bourbon, rum, or tequila

• Cocktail garnishes

• Holiday punch bowls

• Spiced simple syrups for lattes

• Flavoring roasted nuts

Pro Tip

You can reuse Saigon cinnamon sticks 2–3 times in simmered dishes. Let them dry between uses and store in an airtight container.

The Most Powerful Cinnamon in the World

Saigon Cinnamon Sticks from Vietnam offer a level of sweetness, heat, and aroma that simply doesn’t exist in other varieties. Whether you’re crafting broths, cocktails, desserts, or spice blends, these sticks deliver unforgettable flavor with every simmer.