Seven traditional local snacks that are becoming harder and harder to find.
1. Kanom Tian
These popular pyramid shaped snacks are all over Thailand but originate from the north. The rice dough is usually stuffed with coconut, and popular at festivals like Chinese New Year for example.
2. Khao Nook Nga
Using sticky rice that is blended with Perilla seeds and salt in a mortar, this treat is steamed and slightly savoury. This treat is usually made by people at home and hard to find in markets.
3. Kanom Lin Ma
Made from black glutinous flour mixed with water and sweateners derived from molasses, this northern treat can be found across the north, but in Chiang Mai the best place for them is at the Mae Jo market.
4. Kanom Wong
This Thai style donut is similar to the American donut but it is covered in sesame seeds and is usually both sweet and salty. Often used in religious ceremonies.
5. Kanom Pad
These sugary sticky rice flour treats with coconut flakes have, for the last 60 years, been used for merit making ceremonies like Songkran and Poi Khao Sang (devotions for those who have passed away).
6. Kanom Kuea / Kanom Kao
Made from rice flour, this snack combines salt and sugar to create a unique sweet savoury flavour. Traditionally this snack was given to men by women who didn’t want them flirting with them anymore. If get given one of these, you’ll need to back off boys!
7. Khao Tan
Popular as gifts for tourists and locals alike, these crispy rice crackers are one of the country’s favourite. Usually topped with a sweet palm sugar topping or fluffy pork, they are loved by all ages and palettes. Often given during house warming ceremonies, weddings and Songkran celebrations.
