Well, while the first one is mango with sticky rice, an undeniable favourite with locals and tourists alike, the second one is thapthim krop which is somewhat peculiar to say the least.
Mango with sticky rice is actually, well, mango with sticky rice! Imagine ripe, tender, sweet mango flesh accompanied by glutinous rice coocked in rich coconut milk and palm sugar which give the rice a subtle sweet, creamy flavour. While everyone seems to love the sweet variety of this dessert with nam dok mai, a sweet, yellow mango, there is also an option for those who prefer a combination of sweet and sour flavours – ok rong mango variety with sticky rice.
Thapthim krop is a quintessentially Asian treat. It is served in a small bowl and contains sweetened coconut juice infused with pandan leaves and vanilla with crushed ice. The real treasure of the dessert is its edible 'rubies', or thapthim. Thapthim is made of water chestnuts which are first soaked in bright red grenadine syrup, then rolled in tapioca flour, and finally boiled. 'Rubies' are slightly chewy and a bit crunchy with a trace of salty taste thanks to the coconut broth.
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