The Sweetest Thai Street Desserts You Can’t Miss
Thailand’s bustling streets are not just famous for their spicy and savory foods — they are also a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. From coconut-based sweets to crispy crepes, every dessert tells a story of tradition, culture, and creativity. For dessert lovers exploring Bangkok or Chiang Mai, finding authentic Thai street desserts can sometimes be overwhelming due to the sheer variety available. This guide brings you the best, must-try Thai desserts you shouldn’t miss, complete with detailed recipes to make them at home and relive that delightful sweetness anytime.
Top 10 Must-Try Thai Street Desserts
- Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
- Thai Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok)
- Thai Crispy Crepes (Khanom Bueang)
- Red Ruby Dessert (Tub Tim Grob)
- Sweet Roti with Condensed Milk
- Thai Banana in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chi)
- Pandan Layer Cake (Khanom Chan)
- Thai Coconut Jelly (Wun Maprao)
- Thai Donuts (Pa Thong Ko)
- Pumpkin Custard (Sangkhaya Fak Thong)
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice (soaked for 4 hours)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted mung beans (optional)
Instructions
- Steam the glutinous rice for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- In a saucepan, warm coconut milk, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Do not boil.
- Mix the cooked sticky rice with the coconut mixture, stir gently, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Serve with sliced mangoes and sprinkle with mung beans for garnish.
Thai Crispy Crepes (Khanom Bueang) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup mung bean flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup golden egg yolk threads (Foi Thong)
Instructions
- Mix rice flour, mung bean flour, sugar, baking soda, and water until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan and pour a spoonful of batter to form small thin circles.
- Add a bit of coconut cream in the center, sprinkle shredded coconut, and top with Foi Thong.
- Fold the crepe in half and serve warm.
Red Ruby Dessert (Tub Tim Grob) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
- 1/4 cup red food coloring
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Soak diced water chestnuts in red food coloring for 15 minutes, then coat with tapioca flour.
- Boil until they float, then place in cold water.
- In a saucepan, warm coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
- Serve the red rubies with coconut milk and crushed ice.
Thai Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Mix rice flour, water, coconut milk, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Heat a khanom krok pan and brush each mold with coconut oil.
- Pour the batter into molds and cook until golden and crispy outside, soft inside.
- Sprinkle green onions and serve hot.
Thai Pumpkin Custard (Sangkhaya Fak Thong) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin (cleaned and hollowed)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3/4 cup palm sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Beat eggs, coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the hollowed pumpkin.
- Steam for 45–60 minutes until the custard is firm.
- Cool, slice, and serve.
Why Thai Street Desserts Are So Special
Thai street desserts are beloved because they blend sweetness with texture, color, and fragrance in a way that’s distinctly Thai. Coconut milk, palm sugar, pandan leaves, and rice flour are the heart of these recipes, giving them their unique tropical flavor. Whether served hot or cold, these sweets are not just snacks — they represent generations of culinary craftsmanship and local ingenuity.
Make These Sweet Thai Treats at Home
You don’t need to travel to Thailand to enjoy its most famous desserts. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple techniques, these five authentic recipes can bring the vibrant Thai street market experience to your kitchen. So, grab your coconut milk and sticky rice — and let your kitchen smell like Bangkok’s sweetest night market!
Explore More About Thai Desserts
For more dessert inspiration, check out the complete collection of traditional Thai sweets and tropical desserts at Thailand’s dessert guide.