Move over Pad-Thai. Here are the top 10 Thai Desserts you absolutely have to try when in Thailand, as recommended by my Thai friends.
Thailand is known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, and there are plenty of reasons to smile when there. Maybe you’re grinning because of the extreme sunburn your friend is unknowingly developing. Or maybe, and more probably, you’re smiling because you just took a bite of the most amazing desserts that you’ve ever had in your life.
Yes, Thailand is widely known for its incredible cuisine, but its desserts are on a whole other level. A paradise with abundant fresh fruits, cooling coconuts, and sweet surprises, Thailand is full of delicious must-try delights, making Thai desserts are a very good reason to start smiling.
So delay the Pad-Thai because here are some Thai desserts you simply have to try.
Mango Sticky Rice
Although Mango Sticky Rice is Thailand’s national dessert, it is a dish best eaten during the summer in Thailand (April to May). Try it then and you’ll enjoy a soft mango paired perfectly with the sweetness of condensed milk injected sticky rice. The crispy toasted mung beans atop the rice make a lovely texture change and round off this simple yet mouthwatering dish.
Salivating yet? According to ThaiTable, Bangkok is where the oldest Mango Sticky Rice shop is. Having been in operation for more than 80 years, Kor Panich is the place to go when in search of this classic Thai dessert.
For those not yet in Thailand, you can try making your own Thai Mango Sticky Rice using ThaiTable’s recipe – it seems fairly doable!
- Thai Dessert Name: Khao Niaow Mamuang; Kow Neuw Mamuang; ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง
Thai Milk Tea
Aside from Thai Mango Sticky Rice and Thai Milk Tea, there is very little else that is synonymous with Thailand to the wider world. Perhaps this is because Thai Milk Tea is quite similar in concept to Taiwan’s bubble milk tea, which has found its place in the hearts of many across the world.
Like bubble tea, the base of Thai Milk Tea is black tea mixed with milk. In the case of this classic Thai dessert however, condensed milk is added for thickness and heightened sweetness. Served with ice, this makes Thai Milk Tea an incredibly refreshing, albeit incredibly sweet, drink to enjoy as a cool down or to wash down any of the other desserts on this list.
Some places even take Thai Milk Tea up a notch by adding brown sugar tapioca pearls – a Taiwan twist! – although this feels a little unnecessary and much too sweet for my taste.
- Thai Dessert: Cha Thai; ชาไทย
Related: Visit the World's First Bubble Tea MuseumThai Coconut Pancakes
Thai Coconut Pancakes are a staple street food in Thailand and are found in pretty much any food market in Bangkok. These small bite-sized pancakes are usually made in Kanom Krok Pans (semi-circle molds), similar in kind to the ones used to make Takoyaki (octopus balls) in night markets in Taiwan.
Crispy on the outside and soft in the center, these coconut flavored pancakes can be had as is or with a selection of toppings. The usual ones on offer include scallions, corn, and fried egg strips.
Unfortunately, the stall where I bought this Thai Coconut Pancake in Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok obviously didn’t get the small circle memo. This slab version of this classic Thai dessert was creamy, crunchy, crispy, and super delicious nonetheless.
- Thai Dessert: Kanom Krok; ขนมครก
Pink Milk Tea
Like most Thai desserts, Pink Milk Tea is not for sweet-fearing people. Right up there with some of the sweetest desserts – although, to be fair, all of them are incredibly sweet – Thai Pink Milk Tea is a concoction made in the heavens.
A play on the classic Thai Milk Tea, this version ups the ante with pink syrup, turning the usual orange beverage into a hot pink mess. Catch it across any market in Bangkok, and most markets in Thailand. Alternatively, try a homemade version as there are plenty of recipes online.
- Thai Dessert: Nom Chompoo Yen; Nom Yen; นมชมพู
Thai Rice Dumplings in Coconut Cream
Like tang yuan (the Taiwanese version), Thai rice dumplings belong to the glutinous rice dumpling family. These special dumplings are sticky and chewy – QQ, as we would say in Taiwan – and are perfect as vehicles for soaking up sweet syrup or, in this case, coconut cream and coconut milk.
This traditional Thai dessert is also as beautiful as it is delicious, with Thai rice dumplings coming in a variety of different colors, from purple to orange to blue. Pair that with the hearty, creamy, and sweet coconut, and you’re in for a real treat. Some places even have additional toppings available, so feel free to create your own spin on this classic Thai dessert.
- Thai Dessert: Bouloy; Bua Loy; บัวลอยมะพร้าวอ่อน
Thai Crepe
With their vibrant color, crispy exterior, and fluffy filling, Thai Crepes are the complete opposite of anything you could envision with the name ‘crepe’. So get that image of a classic French crêpe out of your head please.
Thai crepes are an interesting blend of sweet and savory, with a fluffy cream filling topped with a choice of shredded coconut (red, not white), chopped scallions, or strips of fried egg.
These traditional Thai crepes are also considerably smaller than normal crepes as they could probably vanish in one bite. Which makes it the perfect street food, so it’s widely sold in markets and street stalls in Thailand.
- Thai Dessert: Khanom bueang; ขนมเบื้อง
Thai Custard
Thai Custard is an amazing dessert all on its own or paired with other desserts (like the following Thai Pumpkin Custard). A simple mix of coconut cream, eggs, and sugar, this traditional Thai dessert is steamed to make a creamy spread served alongside sticky rice or served as a dip for sweet breads.
Thai Custard is also incredibly delicious by itself as both a light and refreshing indulgence. Depending on the place, you can have it either hot or cold, although most market stalls will serve it at room temperature alongside some sticky rice.
- Thai Dessert: Sangkhaya; Sangkaya; สังขยา
Thai Custard in Pumpkin
Thai Custard in Pumpkin or simply Thai Pumpkin Custard is exactly what it says. A unique dessert that is found primarily in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, Thai Pumpkin Custard is a local favorite in Thailand and can be found in most food markets in the capital.
A mix of fluffy sweetness and creamy savory, this Thai dessert is perfect as a pick-me-up on a hot day. Which is everyday, because temperatures in Thailand are ridiculously hot.
Thai Pumpkin Custard is also surprisingly easy to make. Should you be itching for a taste before heading to Thailand, it is super easy to find a recipe online for this refreshing and not so unhealthy Thai dessert.
- Thai Dessert: Sankaya Faktong; ฟักทองสังขยา
Grass Jelly
At some point in your bubble tea enjoyment journey, you’ve probably accidentally ordered and slurped down some grass jelly before – and loved it. So don’t let its looks deceive you – grass jelly is delicious.
A common dessert found across East Asia, Grass Jelly is traditionally eaten in Thailand with a generous helping of brown sugar served atop crushed ice. Although definitely considered a dessert when served like this, Grass Jelly itself actually has healing properties that are ridiculously good for you, especially if you want to lose weight or have high blood pressure.
This is because Grass Jelly is made from Chinese Mesona, a plant that is full of Vitamins A, B, and C. Mesona is also a great source of fiber and calcium, making you feel fuller for longer and supporting bone health. A win-win, especially when considering that this traditional Thai dessert actually tastes really good.
- Thai Dessert: Chăo-gúuay; Chao Quay; Chao Kuai; เฉาก๊วย
Chinese Pastry
Now if you’re like me and living in a Chinese-speaking country, you may feel that this particular dessert isn’t worth trying. You’ve probably had it before during some festival, tourism factory visit, or simply out of curiosity while browsing the snack aisle at a convenience store.
However, for the full tourist experience, go on and try some Chinese pastry in Thailand. Pastries come in different shapes, sizes, and fillings, but generally consist of smooth mung bean paste, a lovely oiled egg yolk, and flaky white pastry. You can tell if it’s going to be a mooncake by the color (red) of the dot on the pastry…or by the first bite.
Chinese pastries are sold at most of the food markets in Thailand, but for the true ‘Chinese’ experience I recommend dropping by Chinatown in Bangkok. There will be a greater selection in the bakeries gracing this neighborhood. There’s also a night market in Chinatown, should you desire a late night mooncake instead.
- Thai Dessert: เค้กพระจัน
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