Authentic Khanom Tom Recipe (Traditional Thai Coconut Dumplings)
- Praphasri Panphasom
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
Khanom Tom is a cherished traditional Thai dessert that dates back centuries. These delicate, chewy dumplings are filled with a sweet, aromatic mixture of grated coconut and palm sugar, then boiled to perfection and rolled in fresh, salty-sweet shredded coconut.
Every bite of Khanom Tom offers a beautiful contrast of textures—the soft, chewy outer layer and the sweet, slightly crunchy filling. It is a true labor of love that makes any special occasion feel complete.
Ingredients
The Sweet Filling:
100 g Grated coconut (preferably young/medium-mature coconut)
80 g Palm sugar
A pinch of salt
Optional: Fragrant candle smoke (for traditional aroma)
The Dumpling Dough:
150 g Glutinous rice flour
100 ml Coconut milk or water (add gradually)
Natural colors (optional): Pandan leaf juice (green) or Butterfly pea flower juice (blue)
The Coating:
100 g Grated coconut (steamed with a pinch of salt)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the filling: In a pan over low heat, combine the palm sugar and a splash of water until the sugar melts into a thick syrup. Add the grated coconut and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is dry enough to be shaped into small, bite-sized balls. (Optional: Place the filling in a bowl and smoke with a fragrant candle for 10-15 minutes).
Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with coconut milk (or natural colored water). Knead well until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.
Shape: Take a small piece of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a coconut filling ball in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth, round ball.
Boil: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Once they float to the surface, they are cooked! Let them float for an additional 30 seconds to ensure the dough is fully cooked.
Coat: Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings, shake off excess water, and immediately roll them in the steamed grated coconut until evenly coated.
Serve: Serve fresh while the dough is soft and chewy!
Master Traditional Thai Desserts in Chiang Mai!
The true beauty of Khanom Tom lies in the texture of the dough and the smokiness of the filling. Learning to make these delicate sweets is a wonderful way to connect with Thai culture.
Join us at Cookventure Home Cooking Studio! We offer a specialized [Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai] where you will learn traditional techniques to create [authentic Thai sweets] from scratch. For digital nomads planning a longer stay, our culinary programs are fully certified and perfect for your 5-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) application!
