The Thai Desserts You Didn't Know You Were Missing
If you're anything like me, the first Thai dessert that comes to mind is probably mango sticky rice. And while it's absolutely a must, it's really just scratching the surface of what Thailand has to offer.
Walk through any local market, night bazaar, or neighborhood bakery, and you'll find tables filled with colorful sweets, coconut-based treats, and all kinds of things you've probably never seen before. Some look familiar, while others leave you wondering, What is that?
I'll admit, I walked past a lot of them at first. The names were in Thai, I didn't recognize most of the ingredients, and they looked nothing like the desserts I grew up eating. It was hard to imagine what they would even taste like, let alone know which ones were worth trying.
That's exactly why I put together this guide. Whether you're visiting Thailand for the first time or you've been here for a while, these are some of the lesser-known Thai desserts I think everyone should try at least once. Some are rich and creamy, others are light and refreshing, and a few completely surprised me—in the best way.
So the next time you're wandering through a market or stopping by a local dessert stall, skip the familiar mango sticky rice or roti for a moment. You just might discover your new favorite Thai sweet. I hope you like coconut!
Kanom Krok
One of my absolute favorites. These little coconut pancakes have crispy, golden edges with a soft, creamy center that's best eaten straight off the griddle while it's still warm. I know the toppings can seem a little questionable at first—green onions, corn, taro, or pumpkin on a dessert? Trust me. It somehow just works, and I find myself ordering these whenever I see them.
My rating: 10/10
Kanom Buang
Think of these as Thailand's version of a crispy taco... but for dessert. The thin, crispy shell is filled with sweet coconut cream and topped with ingredients like golden egg yolk threads (foi thong) or shredded coconut. They're light, crunchy, and dangerously tasty..
My rating: 8/10
Lod Chong
To be honest, this isn’t a dessert I tried on my own but was pleasantly surprised. It’s a refreshing dessert made with chewy pandan noodles served in sweet coconut milk and ice. If you're visiting Thailand on a hot day, this is one of the most refreshing treats you can order. You can also typically control how much sweetener is added so it’s perfect for anyone.
My rating: 6/10
Roti Sai Mai
Super underrated. Super sugary. Roti Sai Mai is made with colorful strands of spun sugar wrapped inside a thin, soft roti. The closest comparison I can think of is cotton candy wrapped in a crepe. It's sweet, fun to eat, and unlike anything I'd ever had before coming to Thailand.
My rating: 10/10
Khao Tom Mad
This is one of those desserts that feels simple in the best way. Sticky rice is mixed with coconut milk, wrapped around a sweet banana, then steamed inside a banana leaf. It's soft, comforting, and just sweet enough without feeling over-the-top.
My rating: 7/10
Kanom Sai Sai
These little banana leaf parcels don't look like much from the outside, but inside is a warm, creamy coconut filling topped with a lightly salted coconut layer. If you love sweet-and-salty desserts, you'll probably love this one too.
My rating: 10/10
Foi Thong
Made from delicate strands of egg yolk cooked in sweet syrup, Foi Thong literally translates to "golden threads." It's incredibly sweet and is often served during celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
My rating: 6/10
Tub Tim Krob
Another dessert I was convinced I wouldn't like... and I was 50% wrong. Warm, crunchy water chestnuts coated in colorful tapioca are served with sweet coconut milk and crushed ice. The mix of creamy, crunchy, chewy, and icy somehow comes together perfectly. It's one of those desserts you would never think to order and just have to experience for yourself. I will add that sometimes I feel like I can taste the food coloring. The times I don’t, sooooo much better.
My rating: 5/10
Bua Loy
If you like mochi, you'll probably love Bua Loy. It features soft, chewy rice balls served in warm coconut milk, making it one of the coziest Thai desserts I've tried.
My rating: 6/10
Thong Muan Sod
These soft coconut rolls have a delicate, chewy texture that sets them apart from the crisp version you may have seen. They're lightly sweet with a fragrant coconut flavor and are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
My rating: 5/10
Luk Chup
These are almost too pretty to eat. Made from sweet mung bean paste, they're carefully shaped and painted to look like tiny fruits and vegetables before being coated in a shiny jelly glaze. I honestly have no idea how people make them so perfectly — each one looks like a tiny work of art.
My rating: 6/10
Kanom Chan
One of Thailand's most recognizable desserts, Kanom Chan is made with layers of coconut and pandan jelly. It's usually not overly sweet, has a slightly chewy texture, and comes in all kinds of colors and flavors. If you're like me, you'll probably end up peeling the layers apart one by one before eating it.
My rating: 10/10
