Tempting Thai Desserts: A Trip Down the Sweet Lane
Thai culture is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, and desserts are no exception. From sticky rice with mango to banana fritters, Thai desserts are an explosion of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that linger on the palate.
In this article, we will take a trip down the sweet lane and explore the most tempting Thai desserts that you should try at least once in your life.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Ma Muang)
The undisputed star of Thai desserts, mango sticky rice is beloved by locals and tourists alike. It is made by steaming glutinous rice until it is sticky and aromatic, and then mixing it with coconut milk and sugar. The rice is served with slices of fresh, ripe mango and a drizzle of sweetened coconut cream.
Kanom Krok
Kanom krok, also known as coconut-rice pancakes, are made by cooking a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar in a special pan with small circular indentations. The pancakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and are usually topped with scallions, corn, or coconut.
Thong Ek
Thong ek, or golden drops, are tiny balls of egg yolks mixed with sugar and flour that are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They are often served with jasmine tea or sweetened condensed milk.
Tab Tim Krob
Tab tim krob, or red rubies, are a refreshing Thai dessert made from water chestnut cubes that are dyed red and coated with tapioca starch. The cubes are served in a bowl with coconut milk and ice, making for a cool and satisfying treat on a hot day.
Tub Tim Grob
Tub tim grob, or chestnut rubies, are a variation of the traditional tab tim krob where water chestnuts are replaced with sweetened chestnut paste. The dessert is usually topped with crushed ice and coconut cream.
Khanom Buang
Khanom buang, also known as Thai crispy pancakes, are a crispy, sweet, and savory dessert that consists of crispy pancakes made from rice flour and egg yolk, and are usually filled with a mixture of cream, coconut milk, and sugar.
Khanom Tako
Khanom tako, or coconut pudding, is a light and silky dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and rice flour, and is usually served in small cups with a topping of sweet corn and coconut cream.
Thapthim Krop
Thapthim krop, or water chestnuts in coconut milk, is a refreshing dessert that consists of tiny cubes of crunchy water chestnuts that are mixed with sweetened tapioca flour and served in a bowl of coconut milk and ice.
Bualoy
Bualoy, or Thai glutinous rice dumplings in sweet ginger syrup, are soft and chewy rice balls filled with a sweet and savory mixture of pork, peanuts, and sugar. They are usually eaten as a dessert and are often served in a warm ginger broth.
Kluay Buat Chi
Kluay buat chi, or banana in coconut milk, is a simple yet satisfying dessert that consists of ripe banana slices that are simmered in rich coconut milk and palm sugar syrup until soft and fragrant.
Sangkhaya
Sangkhaya, or Thai coconut custard, is a rich and creamy dessert made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and is often served over sticky rice or as a filling in Thai pancakes.
Khanom Chan
Khanom chan, or layered sticky rice cake, is a labor-intensive dessert that is made by steaming layers of sweetened rice flour batter with coconut milk and pandan juice. The dessert is usually topped with a mixture of grated coconut and sugar.
Lod Chong
Lod chong, or green rice noodles, are a chewy and refreshing dessert that is made from long strands of rice flour noodles that are dyed green with pandan juice and served in a syrup of coconut milk and palm sugar.
Kanom Krok Bai Toey
Kanom krok bai toey, or pandan coconut custard, is a variation of the popular kanom krok that is made with pandan leaves instead of scallions. The result is a fragrant and subtly sweet custard that is perfect for a midday snack.
Conclusion
Thai desserts are a treat for the senses that should not be missed. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer more savory flavors, there is a Thai dessert that will satisfy your cravings. From the iconic mango sticky rice to lesser-known gems like bualoy and thong ek, every bite of a Thai dessert is a journey to a world of indulgent pleasure.
FAQs
What is the most popular Thai dessert?
The most popular Thai dessert is mango sticky rice, which is made from steamed glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, and served with slices of ripe mango.
What are some popular Thai snacks?
Some popular Thai snacks include kanom krok, crispy fried bananas, and fish cakes.
Are Thai desserts vegetarian?
Many Thai desserts are vegetarian, but some contain animal products such as eggs, milk, and fish sauce. It is best to check with the vendor or restaurant before ordering.
Can I make Thai desserts at home?
Yes, many Thai desserts can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. However, some traditional desserts require special equipment or techniques and may be harder to replicate.
What are some common ingredients in Thai desserts?
Common ingredients in Thai desserts include coconut milk, sticky rice, eggs, pandan leaves, and palm sugar. These ingredients are often combined in creative ways to produce unique and delicious desserts.
When should I eat Thai desserts?
Thai desserts are typically eaten after a meal as a sweet treat, or as a snack throughout the day.
What drinks pair well with Thai desserts?
Thai desserts pair well with a variety of drinks, including jasmine tea, Thai iced tea, and coconut water. For a more adult beverage, try pairing your dessert with a glass of Thai rice wine.
