When talking about Thai cuisine, the most common descriptions used would be '
spicy,' '
savory,' '
flavorful,' and '
rich.' From these words, you can probably already tell what kind of cuisine this beautiful Southeast Asian country has. However, there's one that's not as common but deserves mention as well: '
sweet.' Thai desserts are out of this world. A number of them aren't just sweet, they're downright saccharine. They're the perfect antidotes to the spicy and savory dishes that Thai cuisine is known for. And among the country's traditional desserts, here are ones that you ought to try at least once!
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is the undisputed traditional dessert in Thailand. It's almost akin to the USA's apple pie, Belgian chocolate, Denmark's pastries, and more. Once you ask others what the best dessert in Thailand is, more often than not, they'll say mango sticky rice. It's the myriad of flavors and textures that make it such a culinary favorite. Chilled sweet mangoes contrast the often-steamed sticky rice exceptionally well. And when you pour some coconut milk all over, it becomes an even more delectable dessert. It's no wonder both locals and tourists alike always enjoy them.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Banana Leaf and Sticky Rice
Speaking of sticky rice, Thai cuisine has really made it quite the sweet confection. Apart from mango sticky rice, another local favorite is a banana leaf with sticky rice. Wrapped in preserved banana leaves that help maintain the flavor, a mixture of sticky rice, black beans, and coconut milk makes for a great after-meal treat. Although you have to unwrap it to get to the good part, it's fairly easy to enjoy. In fact, in
many areas in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and the like, you'll find street stalls and humble diners that serve them for a couple of Thai Bahts.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Hariadhi
Sticky Rice in Bamboo
Now, if you thought sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves was pretty novel, wait until you see it stuffed in bamboo. Commonly mixed with either red bean paste or coconut cream, sticky rice in bamboo is certainly among the most authentic and traditional Thai desserts. You can practically imagine how much the Thais from past centuries made them and served them as treats for kids. And don't worry! Although they're served in bamboo sticks, you don't have to push or suck the sticky rice out of them. More often than not, the bamboo sticks are easy to open for you to get to the sticky rice part.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Sai Htun Lin
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Roti Pancakes
While France has the crêpe, Thailand has Roti Pancakes. And though this particular dessert isn't exactly exclusive to Thailand, it's become so popular and so common in the country that it's accepted as part of its traditional cuisine. It's a notable Phuket treat too, with so
many places to eat on the island serving it as their bestselling dessert. What's so good about the delicate roti pancakes is that it's a pretty versatile treat to begin with. You can fill it up or top it with all sorts of other sweets, ranging from ice cream and chocolate syrup to fresh fruits and coconut milk.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Coconut Rice Dumplings
You've probably already noticed that there's one specific fruit that continuously appears on most of these traditional Thai desserts. That's right, in Thai cuisine, coconut is often used to dilute or sweeten any delicacy. Moreover, there are also a ton of coconut treats that the Thais enjoy too. The first of which is a coconut dumpling. Thanks to Chinese influence, dumplings became a staple in Thai cuisine. But trust the locals to add some coconut flavor to it to make it all their own. Hence, coconut rice dumplings were born. This is the sort of dessert that's great to pair with coffee, tea, and the like on a lazy afternoon.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Coconut Ice Cream
Since Thailand is a tropical country in Southeast Asia, it often gets pretty hot here, even during the colder seasons. This is why many of their treats tend to be on the colder side. And speaking of cold sweets, there can only be one that's truly worth having on a hot day in Thailand, right? Ice cream! Oh, but this is no ordinary ice cream! Of course, to make it more local, they have to induce some coconut flavor as well. So from now on, whenever you ask for ice cream and Thailand, forget the common vanilla and chocolate, go for some traditional coconut ice cream instead!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Thai Jelly
Although Thai jelly is pretty comparable to the jello-type desserts in Western countries, they're actually not that similar. For one thing, while Western jello is softer, squishier, and completely moist, Thai jelly tends to be denser, richer in flavor, and drier (in a good and delicious way, of course). Even if you eat it with your hands, it won't feel as sticky as your typical jello treats from European and American countries. Furthermore, Thai jelly often comes in unique Eastern flavors like red bean, black bean, coconut, pandan, and more. How's that for an easy Thai treat?
Source: Flickr.com/ Nanimo
Beyond the exotic spices and savory flavors, Thailand's desserts are just as defining for the country's cuisine. The local treats here are incredibly delectable and are so sweet, they'll leave you spellbound for days. It's not farfetched to say that one bite will change your life.
If you want to make any of these Thai desserts yourself, get yourself a
luxury home with a nice kitchen!
