National Dish Thailand: Khanom Chan (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Khanom Chan, one of Thailand’s most beguiling sweets! This jewel-toned, layered dessert is celebrated for its delicate, gently chewy texture and its mild, fragrant coconut sweetness. Built up one thin layer at a time, it is as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate — a little edible work of art. Bring the elegance of a Thai festival table into your own kitchen and treat yourself to a taste of something truly exotic.
About Khanom Chan
Khanom Chan is a traditional Thai dessert prized for its colourful layers and its soft, slightly sticky texture. It is made chiefly from rice flour, tapioca flour and coconut milk, the combination that gives it such a distinctive bite. The flavour is sweet with a gentle hint of coconut, making it perfect for anyone who loves exotic confections. Khanom Chan was once reserved for special occasions and festivals, yet today it is enjoyed all year round and remains a much-loved part of Thai cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150g rice flour
- 50g tapioca flour
- 200ml coconut milk
- 200ml water
- 150g sugar
- Food colouring (optional)
- Flavour extracts (e.g. pandan, rose) (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
Most of the ingredients for Khanom Chan can be found in a well-stocked supermarket or an Asian grocery. Rice flour and tapioca flour in particular are everyday staples of Asian cooking and easy to source. For the coconut milk, it is worth choosing a good-quality product without additives for the cleanest flavour. If you want to colour the layers, pick up food colourings to suit your scheme, and flavour extracts such as pandan or rose can add an extra dimension to the finished dessert.
Preparing the dish
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out precisely — this makes the cooking far more efficient. If you plan to use food colourings or flavour extracts, set those out too. A clean, well-organised work surface helps the whole process run smoothly. A steamer, or a saucepan fitted with a steaming insert, is essential for cooking this dessert.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the rice flour and tapioca flour in a large bowl.
- Stir the coconut milk and water into the flour mixture until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the sugar and keep stirring until it has fully dissolved.
- Divide the batter into equal portions, then mix in food colouring and flavour extracts as you like.
- Lightly grease a square or rectangular tin.
- Pour a thin layer of batter into the tin and steam for about 5 minutes, until it has set.
- Add the next layer and repeat the process until all the batter has been used.
- Let the dessert cool completely before cutting it into pieces and serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Khanom Chan is naturally gluten-free, as it is based on rice flour and tapioca flour. Even so, take care that every ingredient you use is free from any traces of gluten. For a lactose-free version, simply use a lactose-free coconut milk — this affects neither the taste nor the texture, so the dessert can be enjoyed exactly as it should be.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
This recipe is ideal for vegans and vegetarians, since it contains no animal products or derivatives whatsoever. Just be sure that any food colourings and flavour extracts you choose are vegan too. It is also well worth reaching for organic ingredients where you can, to create a dessert that is as natural and sustainable as possible.
More tips and tricks
For an even result, make sure each layer is completely set before you add the next. Use a kitchen timer to keep a close eye on the steaming time. You can also experiment with different colours and aromas to give the dessert your own personal stamp. If you do not have a suitable tin, a round steamer works just as well — simply trim the dessert into neat shapes once it has cooled.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
If the level of sugar seems a little high for your liking, you can reduce it without any trouble. The choice of flavour extracts is just as easy to adjust to personal taste — a touch of vanilla or almond can introduce intriguing new notes. For something especially exotic, try durian or jackfruit as a flavouring, much like the tropical sweetness found in Khanom Krok Bai Toey.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have tapioca flour to hand, you can replace it with cornflour. The coconut milk can also be swapped for other plant-based milks such as almond or soya, though the flavour will shift slightly. When choosing food colourings, look out for natural alternatives like beetroot powder or matcha for a healthier touch. A similar reliance on coconut richness underpins the baked custard of Khanom Mo Kaeng.
Drink pairing ideas
Khanom Chan goes beautifully with Thai teas such as jasmine or pandan tea. A refreshing iced tea or a sweet coconut milk also pairs well. For something a little more indulgent, the dessert can be served with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. Fruity drinks such as mango or pineapple juice are another excellent choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
The colourful layers of Khanom Chan lend themselves to creative presentation. Cut the dessert into even squares or diamonds and serve it on a pretty porcelain plate. Decorate the pieces with edible flowers or fresh herbs for a special effect. A final scattering of desiccated coconut over the top layer can round the dessert off nicely, both in looks and in flavour.
A bit of history
Khanom Chan is a traditional dessert with roots reaching back to old Siam. Historically it was a symbol of prosperity and good fortune and was often served at weddings and important celebrations. The dessert’s nine layers are considered a lucky number, standing for progress and success. Even today Khanom Chan is a popular sight at festive occasions, frequently given a modern twist — a heritage it shares with steamed treats like Hor Mok Ma Prow.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Khanom Chan
Khanom Chan is a striking and delicious Thai dessert built from many thin, brightly coloured layers. It is simple to prepare and offers endless scope for adaptation to suit every palate. Whether for a special occasion or as a sweet reward after a meal, Khanom Chan is always a fine choice. Give this wonderful dessert a try and enjoy a little piece of Thailand in your own home.
