Thailand isn’t just famous for its spicy curries and flavorful noodles — it’s also a dessert paradise waiting to be explored. Thai desserts are rich in tradition, color, and texture, combining ingredients like coconut milk, sticky rice, tropical fruits, and pandan for a truly unique taste experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southeast Asian sweets or just discovering them for the first time, this list of the Top 5 Thai Desserts will have you drooling.
If you love desserts that are creamy, fragrant, and not overly sweet, then Thai sweets are definitely for you. And yes — you can find these gems right here in Brisbane, too! Let’s dig into the best of the best.
1. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
Undeniably the most famous Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice is a seasonal delight that perfectly balances richness and freshness.
-
What is it?
Slices of sweet, ripe mango served with sticky glutinous rice that’s been cooked with creamy coconut milk and topped with a light drizzle of coconut sauce and toasted mung beans. -
Why it’s a must-try:
The salty-sweet balance of the coconut rice pairs perfectly with the juicy mango. It’s light, fragrant, and satisfying — a tropical comfort dessert. -
When to eat it:
Best enjoyed during mango season (March–June), but many Thai restaurants serve it year-round.
2. Red Rubies in Coconut Milk (Tub Tim Grob)
Tub Tim Grob is often referred to as the “jewel” of Thai desserts — and for good reason.
-
What is it?
Crunchy water chestnuts coated in red tapioca flour (giving them a ruby-like appearance), served in sweetened coconut milk with crushed ice. -
Why it’s a must-try:
It’s cold, crunchy, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet — the perfect dessert for hot days. Plus, the bright red color makes it a standout on any table. -
Texture factor:
If you like desserts with a mix of chewiness and crunch, this one’s for you.
3. Pandan Custard with Sticky Rice (Sang Kaya)
Pandan lovers, rejoice! Sang Kaya is a traditional Thai dessert that combines the aromatic flavor of pandan with creamy custard goodness.
-
What is it?
Smooth, green pandan-flavored custard (often served warm or at room temperature) paired with sticky rice. Sometimes served inside a steamed pumpkin or with coconut topping. -
Why it’s a must-try:
The custard has a subtle floral sweetness, while the sticky rice adds body and comfort. It’s a lesser-known dessert but truly worth exploring. -
Perfect for:
Fans of soft, creamy desserts with herbal undertones.
4. Thai Layered Jelly (Khanom Chan)
This visually striking dessert is a Thai favorite at celebrations and temple fairs.
-
What is it?
A multi-layered, steamed jelly made from rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, and pandan juice. Each layer is poured and steamed individually, resulting in a beautiful rainbow-like appearance. -
Why it’s a must-try:
The fun, chewy texture and gentle sweetness make it perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s not too sugary, and the layers are fun to peel apart and eat slowly. -
A bite-sized treat:
Often served in small squares or flower molds — perfect for sharing or nibbling with tea.
5. Bua Loi (Sticky Rice Balls in Coconut Milk)
A warm, comforting dessert that’s particularly popular during cooler evenings.
-
What is it?
Soft glutinous rice balls made with colored dough (often naturally dyed using pandan, taro, or pumpkin), served in a sweet coconut milk soup. Some versions include an egg (Bua Loy Kai Wan). -
Why it’s a must-try:
It’s like a Thai-style mochi soup — warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Each little ball offers a chewy bite, complemented by the richness of the coconut milk. -
Soul food status:
In Thailand, this dessert is often made at home for family gatherings. It’s nostalgic and heartwarming.
Why Thai Desserts Are Unique
Unlike many Western sweets, Thai desserts tend to be less sugary but more fragrant and textured. Ingredients like pandan leaf, coconut milk, palm sugar, and tropical fruits give them a distinct personality that’s both exotic and comforting.
They also tend to focus on:
-
🟠 Balanced flavors (not too sweet)
-
🍚 Interesting textures (chewy, creamy, crunchy)
-
🌿 Natural coloring (pandan, butterfly pea, taro)
-
🎨 Stunning presentations (layered, molded, colorful)
So if you’re the kind of person who loves desserts that offer more than just sugar, Thai desserts might just become your new favorite obsession.
Where to Try These Thai Desserts in Brisbane
You don’t have to fly to Bangkok to try these amazing sweets. In fact, one of the best Thai restaurants in Brisbane serves all of these and more with authentic Thai hospitality and flavor:
🏆 Siam Samrarn Thai Restaurant – Brisbane’s Thai Dessert Haven
Located in the heart of West End, Brisbane, Siam Samrarn Thai Restaurant is beloved by locals for its authentic Thai food, warm atmosphere, and beautifully crafted desserts.
Why Siam Samrarn?
-
✅ Authentic recipes made by Thai chefs
-
✅ Fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods
-
✅ Beautiful presentation & perfect sweetness balance
-
✅ Offers dine-in, takeaway & delivery
Whether you’re finishing off a spicy Thai meal with something sweet or just popping in for dessert and Thai iced tea, Siam Samrarn is the perfect place to indulge.
Location:
1/88 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101
Website: www.siamsamrarn.com.au
Phone: (07) 3846 6943
Final Thoughts
Thai desserts are an unforgettable part of Thailand’s culinary culture — and now you know exactly which ones to try. Whether you’re in love with mango sticky rice or curious to try red rubies in coconut milk, the best way to experience these treats is to taste them yourself.
So if you’re in Brisbane and wondering where to find the best Thai sweets, Siam Samrarn Thai Restaurant is your go-to destination. Authentic, delicious, and crafted with love — their Thai desserts are not just food, they’re an experience.
