Thai desserts are well known for their taste sensations which are as impressive as their appearance. Their appealing looks reflects the nature of Thai people who are neat and meticulous. Thai desserts are also colourful, delicious and multifarious.
Colors and scents make Thai desserts both earthy and other worldly. A visit in one of Chiang Mai’s many markets is an eye-opener to Thailand’s sweet flavors and a food adventure that will be far from boring!
Kanom Wan, Thai desserts, are a sweet and sometimes filling snack quite different to Western-style desserts. Characterized by sweet syrups, coconut cream, tropical fruits and sweet sticky rice, most of them are complex to make. Flowers like jasmine and ylang-ylang provide beautiful fragrances while herbs such as pandanus leaves give them beautiful organic colours. Given the time they take to prepare, it is surprising they cost so little. Some boutique hotels in Chiang Mai are even presenting these traditional treats as high tea accompaniments.
If you are on the hunt for new sweet treats to delight your taste buds, this handpicked list of 8 delicious Thai desserts is for you. Trust us, you will be hooked!
Kanom Buang
It looks like a tacos but it does not taste like it. This sweet dessert is made with coconut milk. It can be eat hot or cold.
Luuk Chuub
These pretty little desserts are shaped into mini Thai fruits and vegetables like mango, chili and mangosteen. It is made with steamed mung beans and the process is uncommonly labor-intensive.
Chao Kuai Nom Sot
Chao Kuai or grass jelly is commonly served in Thailand with ice and natural brown sugar. It can also be served with jackfruits and milk.
Mango Sticky Rice
Sweet sticky rice with sweet yellow mango on top and covered in coconut cream syrup. It is one of the most famous desserts in Thailand.
Tup Tim Krob
This dessert is made of water chestnuts dipped in red food coloring, then tossed in cassava flour which gives it a soft, chewy exterior. It is served in ice and coconut milk. The perfect dessert for a hot day!
Silk Thread Roti
This menu is the mix of Indian and Thai; Roti for Indian and Sai Mai for Thai (which means Silk Thread). It was invented in Ayutthaya. Roti and Sai Mai will come in separate plastic bags, you have to put Sai Mai above Roti and wrap it yourself.
It is recommended to avoid eating only Sai Mai as it will be too sweet. Price per set for Roti Sai Mai is around 30-35 Thai Baht.
Kanom Krok
These creamy and fragrant bite-sized desserts are cooked in a charcoal-heated pan with small craters, which result in little rich coconut cups. They are a favorite among Thai people and are widely eaten in the mornings at street vendors around Chiang Mai. A box of Kanom Krok normally has 10 pairs (20 pieces) and costs around 40 baht.
Ruam Mit
A sweet concoction of mixed treats including tapioca balls, sweet potato chunks, corn, red beans, gelatine strips in different shapes, sizes and colours topped with coconut milk.
