Dessert Ideas for Weddings

Did you know that nine auspicious desserts have a special place in Thai wedding ceremonies and receptions? These beautiful and delicate creations are always a favorite of Thai wedding guests. They’ve become so well-loved that they also appear at housewarming parties, graduation parties, and any occasion that merits special consideration and preparations in Thailand.

Khanom Thai, or Thai Dessert, has been a popular sight at weddings since ancient times. They are believed to offer good luck to the happy couple on their wedding day, and many Thai couples consider these nine a must-have on the wedding day menu.

Reasons for Nine Desserts

Wedding guests who are unfamiliar with Thai culture and traditions may wonder about the significance of having nine different desserts at a wedding.

The number nine is pronounced “gao” in Thai and is synonymous with the word “kao”, meaning “to move forward” or “progress.”

The number nine is also considered to be the luckiest number in Thai numerology. Each dessert is believed to bestow a cherished blessing related to different aspects of human life. The nine desserts together symbolize progress and the fulfillment of all the blessings on the couple’s happiest day.

The Nine Auspicious Wedding Desserts

Let’s explore nine of the most auspicious desserts, or “Khanom Monkhon Kao Yang”, that can be served at any wedding. We’ll describe what they each mean and their ingredients. These auspicious favorites will add a special flair and blessings of good luck to your special day.

Thong Yod

Thong yod resembles a golden droplet. The treats represent an endless and plentiful supply of money.

Thong yod is a mixture of egg yolks and sugar. The treat is created by dropping the mixture into a pot of bubbling syrup.

Thong Yip

Thong yip is shaped like a little golden flower. The word “yip” means to choose or catch. It’s believed these sweets will bring prosperity easily.

The treats are made with the egg yolks that have been mixed with syrup flavored with jasmine water. The flower is formed by pinching the treats into shape while they’re in a small cup.

Med Kanoon

“Med kanoon” means “jackfruit seeds” in Thai, which is what these sweets resemble. The term “kanoon” rhymes with the term “noon”, meaning “to support.” This auspicious wedding dessert has a special meaning of strength and supporting each other throughout the marriage.

Foi Thong

The word “foi” means “threads” in Thai. It symbolizes a long-lasting love between the wedding couple.

The ingredients are the same as those of thong yod and thong yip. The mixture is made as smooth as possible by straining through a fine sieve. It is then poured through a narrow funnel and moved in a circular motion to create long threads before cooking them in syrup.

Thong Ek

Thong Ek is considered the pinnacle of the nine auspicious desserts. The word ”ek” means “being the first”.

It’s made of egg yolks and sugar that is mixed into boiling wheat flour and coconut milk. The mixture is stirred until it reaches a smooth, firm consistency and left to cool before pressing into a lotus flower mold and being topped with a piece of gold leaf.

Dara Thong or Thong Ek Krajang

The name “dara thong” means golden stars and is a symbol of high status and career stability.

Dara thong is made with the same ingredients and process as thong ek. However, the individual pieces are formed by hand and are difficult to make symmetrically. You may have to place a special order from a Thai bakery.

Khanom Tuay Foo

These pastel-colored, fluffy balls symbolize the onward process of growth and prosperity.

The main ingredients are rice flour, sugar, and yeast, mixed into a dough that is dyed with food coloring. A secret ingredient of flower water made from fresh jasmine flowers is also added. Once the dough has set, the tuay foo is steamed in individual cups.

Kanom Chun

“Chun” in Thai, means progress and accomplishment, two essential ingredients for a successful marriage.

The sweets look like multicolored layers of jelly. The ingredients are rice flour, arrowroot and tapioca starch, coconut milk and sugar. The mixture is flavored with pandan leaf juice and then cooled.

Saneh Chan

The word “chan” can mean “moon” in Thai, while the word “saneh” means charm and affection. This dessert inspires a romantic walk in the moonlight.

It’s made of glutinous rice flour in boiling coconut milk and sugar with added nutmeg. The mixture is stirred until smooth and form and formed into versions of the decandra fruit.

Consider a Sweet Riverside Venue for Your Wedding

Whether you’re planning a traditional Thai wedding or you want to create your own unique wedding ceremony to celebrate your love, the perfect wedding venue is by the river at Riverine Hotel & Residence in Thonburi. 

We have six magnificent wedding venues with stunning views of the Chao Phraya River, the largest of which can accommodate up to 200 guests. We offer wedding packages and have wedding planners on-site who will take care of all the details and make your special day run smoothly.  

With romantic and spacious accommodations right upstairs, a world-class catering service in-house, and experienced professional wedding planners to help with all the arrangements, Riverine Hotel & Residence is the perfect hotel for a wedding celebration that’s both memorable and easy to arrange. 

Make an appointment to tour our venues and discover all that the Riverine Hotel & Residence can offer on your special day.