Exquisite Thai Desserts to Satisfy Your Dessert Cravings
If you have a sweet tooth and love to try out new desserts, then Thai cuisine has a lot to offer. Thailand is renowned for its street food and desserts that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Thai desserts are unique in their flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. In this article, we will explore some of the most exquisite Thai desserts that are worth trying.
Thai Sticky Rice with Mango (Khao Niew Mamuang)
One of the most popular and well-known Thai desserts is Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert is made with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar and served with fresh ripe mango slices on top. The rice is slightly sweet and sticky, and the mango is juicy and flavorful, making it the perfect combination.
Thai Coconut Ice Cream (I tim kati)
Thai Coconut Ice Cream is another popular dessert that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It is made with coconut milk, sugar, and a hint of pandan leaves. The ice cream is creamy, smooth, and has a distinct coconut flavor that makes it an excellent dessert to beat the heat.
Pandan Custard (Sangkhaya Fak Thong)
Pandan Custard is a sweet dessert made with eggs, coconut milk, sugar, and pandan leaves. It is baked till golden brown and has a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It is often served with sticky rice or eaten on its own as a dessert.
Thai Water Chestnut Cake (Tub Tim Krob)
Thai Water Chestnut Cake is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is made with water chestnut pieces coated in a tapioca flour mixture and served in a sweet coconut milk syrup with a dash of rose water. It has a crunchy and chewy texture and makes for a great ending to a spicy Thai meal.
Thai Fried Bananas (Gluay Tod)
If you are a fan of fried foods, then Thai Fried Bananas are a must-try dessert. They are made with ripe bananas coated in a batter of rice flour, sesame seeds, and sugar and are fried till golden brown. The bananas are crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, making them a perfect dessert option.
Thai Tea Pudding (Kanom Chun)
If you love Thai tea, then you will love Thai Tea Pudding. It is made with Thai tea mixed with gelatin and layers of coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. It is sweet, creamy, and has a distinct Thai tea flavor that makes it a unique dessert option.
Thai Coconut Jelly (Woon Ma Prow Orn)
Thai Coconut Jelly is a simple yet delicious dessert that is light and refreshing. It is made with coconut milk, sugar, and agar-agar (seaweed gelatin). The jelly is cut into cubes and served with a sweet topping of palm sugar syrup.
Conclusion
Thai desserts are a perfect blend of unique flavors, textures, and colors that appeal to both your eyes and taste buds. From Mango Sticky Rice to Thai Coconut Ice Cream, Thai cuisine has a lot to offer when it comes to sweets. So, the next time you visit a Thai restaurant, don’t forget to try out these exquisite desserts.
FAQ
What are the most popular Thai desserts?
Some of the most popular Thai desserts include Mango Sticky Rice, Thai Coconut Ice Cream, Pandan Custard, and Thai Water Chestnut Cake.
What are some desserts that are unique to Thailand?
Some desserts that are unique to Thailand include Thai Tea Pudding, Thai Coconut Jelly, and Thai Fried Bananas.
What is the main ingredient in Thai desserts?
The main ingredient in Thai desserts is coconut milk. It is used to make desserts creamy and adds a unique flavor profile to each dish.
Can Thai desserts be made at home?
Yes, Thai desserts can be made at home with the right ingredients and recipe. Some popular Thai dessert recipes include Mango Sticky Rice, Pandan Custard, and Thai Fried Bananas.
Are Thai desserts healthy?
Thai desserts are high in sugar and calories, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, many Thai desserts are made with natural ingredients such as coconut milk and fresh fruits which provide essential vitamins and minerals.
What is the best time to eat Thai desserts?
Thai desserts can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but they are typically eaten as a dessert to complete a Thai meal. They are also a great option for a mid-day snack or as a sweet treat after a long day.
Can Thai desserts be vegan-friendly?
Yes, Thai desserts can be made vegan-friendly by substituting animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and tapioca flour or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
References
- “10 of the Most Delicious Thai Desserts You Must Try.” The Culture Trip, 29 June 2017, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/10-of-thailands-most-delicious-desserts/
- “11 Thai Desserts to Sweeten Your Life.” Bangkok Post, https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1442871/11-thai-desserts-to-sweeten-your-life
- “Thai Desserts: 9 Traditional Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth.” Migrationology, 11 Apr. 2018, https://migrationology.com/thai-desserts-traditional/
