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When talking about Thai sweet treats, most people would mention mango sticky rice or coconut rice pancakes. Besides that, there is also a world of unique Thai desserts waiting to be discovered. Today, Asia King Travel invites you to explore some of the country's lesser-known but best Thai desserts that are worth seeking out.
At first glance, Khao Tom Mud looks like a humble little parcel wrapped in banana leaves, but don't let its appearance fool you. Inside is a comforting mix of sticky rice cooked with coconut milk, sugar and black beans, stuffed with a piece of special Thai banana.
Khao Tom Mud has a humble appearance yet a special flavour from coconut and banana
The packets are then steamed until soft and fragrant. This dessert is cheap, easy to find, and surprisingly filling, with bold flavours and the irresistible aroma of coconut and banana in every bite.
Among the popular Thai desserts, Khanom Tan is a lesser-known one, often found in places where sugar palms are grown, such as Phetchaburi and Suphanburi. Its vibrant colour and naturally fragrant aroma earn it a spot on the Thai dessert must-try list.
Khanom Tan usually has a vibrant golden yellow colour from palm sugar
To make Khanom Tan, ripe toddy palm fruit is mixed with rice flour, coconut milk, sugar; then the batter is poured into small cups made from banana leaves and steamed to perfection. These golden-hued delicacies, topped with shredded coconut, are soft, spongy and gently sweet, truly one of the must-try Thai desserts if you're exploring local markets.
Looking for a crunchy, sweet snack? Kluay Kaek delivers just that. These are banana slices coated in a light, crispy batter with sesame seeds and shredded coconut, and deep-fried until golden. Crunchy crust, warm, sweet and soft inside, they're already light and delicious. Still, they can taste even better when served with coconut ice cream.
Kluay Kaek are banana fritters crispy on the outside; sweet and soft inside
Among Thailand's most beloved summer treats, Nam Kang Sai stands out for its playful mix of colours and textures. Nam Kang Sai is similar to regular shaved ice, but with a variety of toppings, including fruits such as jackfruit and pomegranate, as well as jellies, all bathed in sweet syrup and coconut milk.
Similar to shaved ice, Nam Kang Sai is topped with jellies, fruits, and sweet syrup
The more toppings there are in a serving, the more impressive Nam Kang Sai will be. This is one of the best alternatives to ice cream for cooling down on hot summer days, especially if you're on the hunt for street food desserts in Thailand.
When it comes to ceremonial sweets, Thailand offers a golden trio that's both beautiful and flavourful. These golden treats are not only beautiful but also a staple at weddings and special occasions, making them a must-try in any dessert list in this country.
These golden treats are made from the same ingredients but in three different forms
Despite having different shapes, they have similar cooking techniques, which involve cooking mixtures containing egg yolks and sugar in a jasmine-flavoured sugar syrup. While Thong Yip is formed into flower shapes, Tong Yord pieces are ball-shaped, and Foy Tong is made into strands. These are sweet, but with lots of floral fragrance and a soft, supple interior.
Ruam Mit consists of colourful jellies and fruits, served with coconut milk
Ruam Mit is a perfect choice if you're craving a refreshing dessert with a bit of everything. This chilled treat combines a variety of ingredients, including starchy noodles, tapioca pearls and fruits, with creamy coconut milk and crushed ice. It may sound similar to Nam Kang Sai, but instead of choosing toppings like a buffet line, Ruam Mit will be served in fixed combos, which is a great pick if you're wondering what desserts to try in Thailand beyond the usual mango sticky rice.
For something warm, colourful, and comforting, Bua Loy (or Bua Loi) is a delightful surprise in every spoonful. It is a warm Thai dessert with two main parts: colourful rice balls and warm coconut milk soup, which is a mixture of coconut cream, sugar and pandan leaves. The vibrant colours of rice balls are usually made from natural ingredients like pandan juice (green), butterfly pea flower tea (blue), pumpkin/carrot (orange/yellow), and taro purée (lavender). Furthermore, some versions even fill the rice balls with pumpkin, taro, or black sesame paste.
Bua Loy features soft glutinous rice balls served in warm coconut cream
Bua Loy brings a burst of flavours and hues that'll leave you craving another bowlful of happiness. This comforting dish is often recommended as a Thai dessert must-try, and easily one of the best Thai desserts to experience in Bangkok or beyond.
Looking for a fun treat and a unique edible souvenir? Don't miss this dish. Roti sai mai, or Ayutthaya's cotton candy, is a Thai dessert that Muslims in Thailand have passed down recipes for generations, consisting of a thin, crepe-like roti (often flavoured with pandan) wrapped around colourful, spun sugar, resembling cotton candy.
Both of the roti (wrapping) and candy floss are found in a variety of hues
Roti Sai Mai is a popular sweet treat that makes Ayutthaya's signature dessert. It is also easy to find there, which is perfect for travellers on the hunt for infamous Thai food that makes great souvenirs too.
These small colourful balls can be considered the Thai version of the coconut Raffaello candies, which are small balls of boiled glutinous dumplings rolled in shredded coconut. Their chewy texture and coconut scent make them a hidden gem in the world of exotic Thai desserts.
Khanom Tom and Khanom Kho can be called the Thai version of the coconut Raffaello candies
While both look the same, Khanom Tom originates from Central Thailand with a palm sugar cube inside as the filling, and Khanom Kho balls are stuffed with caramelized shredded coconuts, and the dessert belongs to Southern Thailand. Khanom Tom and Khanom Kho also come in different colours, typically red, green, blue, purple, or natural white.
Khanom Chan is a traditional Thai dessert dating back to the Sukhothai Period. Although looking similar to regular layered jelly, it is made from rice and tapioca flour, coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandan leaves (or other food colourings). This delicate treat is as rich in meaning as it is in flavour.
A plate with traditional and flower-moulded Khanom Chan
The name Khanom Chan means "layered dessert" in Thai. Traditionally, the cake consists of nine layers, each carefully steamed one by one. The number nine symbolizes progress, prosperity, and future success, so that it holds special significance in Thai culture. That's why this sticky, jelly-like cake is often served at auspicious events, such as weddings, business openings, or religious ceremonies.
Nowadays, beside traditional layered Khanom Chan, people may also come up with moulded versions of it, which are usually flower-shaped.
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To make the most of your experience, try a variety of flavours and textures, explore local markets, and be open to unfamiliar ingredients like coconut milk, sticky rice, and pandan. If you're still unsure about which desserts to try in Thailand, start with mango sticky rice or bua loy, then work your way through more exotic Thai desserts available in local markets. Then, you can venture into less well-known treats, such as khanom krok or foi thong.
Additionally, locals in Thailand are generally friendly, so don't hesitate to ask them if you're unsure about what to order. Similarly, if you see something that looks interesting but aren't sure what it is, just point and smile, as vendors are usually happy to explain or demonstrate.
Thai desserts, even unique ones, can be easily found in markets or street vendors
Despite being called infamous Thai food or “exotic”, these can be found in various places at an affordable price. The most common locations include local fresh markets and street food areas such as Yaowarat (Bangkok's Chinatown) and Victory Monument. Additionally, you can find these sweet treats being sold at food courts in almost every shopping mall.
Many Thai restaurants, especially those offering traditional cuisine, also have a selection of classic desserts on their menus. In Bangkok, there are plenty of dessert cafes in the Siam area, Song Wat, Thonglor, etc, where you can easily order a traditional dessert.
It may look unfamiliar at first, but thanks to the perfect blend of flavours, these unique Thai desserts won't disappoint you. If you want to visit Thailand and enjoy these sweet treats, along with other local delights, don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you in planning your trip, allowing you to savour all the must-try dishes along the way.
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