Koh Samui is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and luxurious resorts. You can book a Seatran ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui or book a bus ride from Bangkok to Koh Samui. But beyond its picturesque landscapes, this island is a culinary paradise.
While Thai food is famously known for its exotic spices and refreshing flavors, its desserts are frequently an unexplored gem.
Take your taste buds on a memorable adventure in Koh Samui by trying these Thai desserts.
● Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
No visit to Thailand would be complete without a taste of Mango Sticky Rice. This classic dessert consists of sweet, sticky rice that is filled with creamy coconut milk and served with slices of ripe, juicy mango.
Where to try it: Nearly every Koh Samui night market has this popular dish on offer, but for a good quality version, head to the Lamai Fresh Food Market.
● Coconut Rice Dumplings (Khanom Krok)
Khanom Krok is a small, bite-sized coconut custard cake with a crispy exterior and a creamy, soft interior. Rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar are steamed in a cast-iron pot, producing a great texture combination.
Where to find it: Look for street vendors at Fisherman’s Village Walking Street or Chaweng Night Market.
● Thai Coconut Custard (Khanom Thuay)
Served in tiny porcelain bowls, Khanom Thuay is made up of two parts: a sweet, scented pandan-flavored bottom and a creamy, slightly salty coconut milk top. The sweet and savory combination makes it a habit-forming dessert.
Where to try it: Several local food stalls and dessert houses in Koh Samui, as well as the markets in Nathon and Mae Nam, offer this classic dessert.
● Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Khao Lam)
For a dessert with some adventure, try Khao Lam. Sticky rice, red beans, sugar, and coconut milk are packed into bamboo tubes and grilled in an open flame for hours. The result is a slightly smoky, fragrant, and chewy dessert.
Where to find it: Most roadside stalls on the route to the Secret Buddha Garden or Namuang Waterfalls offer Khao Lam fresh from the grill.
● Banana Leaf Sticky Rice (Khao Tom Mud)
This traditional Thai dessert is made by wrapping coconut milk, sticky rice, and sweet black beans in a banana leaf and steaming it until soft. Some versions also include a piece of banana in the middle.
Where to buy it: Street stalls near Big Buddha Temple or at Lamai Night Plaza.
● Colored Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Moon)
This vibrant dessert is made from sticky rice colored with different hues from natural materials such as butterfly pea flowers, pandan leaves, and turmeric. The colors have slightly different tastes, so it is not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes.
Where to try it: Many dessert vendors at Koh Samui’s night markets offer beautifully arranged plates of Khao Niew Moon.
● Sweet Noodle in Coconut Milk (Salim)
Salim is a sweet, vibrant dessert consisting of thin mung bean noodles that have been soaked in creamy coconut milk. Served cold, it’s a fantastic method of cooling off on the tropical island of Koh Samui.
Where to get it: Go to the dessert stalls at Chaweng Night Market or Fisherman’s Village for a bowl of Salim.
● Mixed Iced Dessert (Nam Kang Sai)
Nam Kang Sai is Thailand’s version of a snow cone. This shaved ice dessert is filled with toppings such as jackfruit, palm seeds, sweet red beans, jelly cubes, and syrups. A sprinkle of condensed milk at the end adds a rich, creamy finish.
Where to try it: Go to a dessert shop in the area or search for a street vendor near one of the major temples or bazaars.
● Sweet Egg Yolk Balls (Thong Yod)
Thong Yod, “golden drops” in English, are small egg yolk and sugar syrup sweets. They are sweet, creamy, and exceedingly, exceedingly sweet. They are traditionally served at celebrations as a bringer of prosperity and good fortune.
Where to find it: Sample Coconut Ice Cream at one of the finer Thai restaurants on Koh Samui as part of a Thai-style dessert platter.
● Coconut Ice Cream (I-Tim Kati)
Nothing cools down on a warm day like a spoonful of creamy coconut ice cream. Often served in a coconut shell and topped with peanuts, sticky rice, or sweet corn, this is one island indulgence.
Where to try it: You’ll find coconut ice cream at various street food markets and beachfront vendors, with some of the best versions available at The Jungle Club or Samui Elephant Sanctuary Café.
Conclusion
So, the next time you find yourself in this island haven, don’t be a purist and stick only to the main dishes — indulge in the sweeter flavors of Koh Samui!
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