Thai Coconut Ice Cream – A Cool and Tasty Thai Dessert
Thai coconut ice cream is a favorite sweet treat in Thailand. It’s cold, creamy, and full of real coconut flavor. You’ll find it at street markets and food stalls all over the country. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect on a hot day.
Let’s learn more about what makes this dessert special, how it’s served, and why people love it!

What Is Thai Coconut Ice Cream?
Thai coconut ice cream (called “I-tim Kati” in Thai) is ice cream made from coconut milk, not cow’s milk. That means it’s dairy-free, light, and healthy compared to regular ice cream.
It tastes like fresh coconut — smooth, slightly sweet, and super refreshing. It’s often served in:
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A real coconut shell’
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Thai coconut ice cream is served in a real coconut shell. This helps keep it cold and looks really nice. Eating from a coconut shell feels like a real taste of Thailand!
. A paper cup
- Thai coconut ice cream is sometimes served in a paper cup. It’s easy to hold and carry while you walk. This way, you can enjoy your ice cream without making a mess!
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Or even a hotdog-style bun (yes, really!)
Toppings Make It Even Better
What makes Thai coconut ice cream really fun is the toppings. You can choose what you like! Some popular ones include:
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Sticky rice – soft and slightly sweet
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Roasted peanuts – crunchy and nutty
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Corn – adds a little sweetness
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Jackfruit – sweet tropical fruit
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Palm seeds or jelly – chewy and refreshing
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Condensed milk – extra sweet and creamy
These toppings give you lots of different flavors and textures in each bite

A Big Part of Thai Street Food
In Thailand, people love eating outside at street markets. It’s a fun way to enjoy fresh food and spend time with friends and family. Thai coconut ice cream is one of the most popular desserts you can find at these markets.
Vendors scoop the ice cream fresh for you and let you pick your favorite toppings. Sometimes, they even serve it in a small coconut shell, which keeps it cool and looks really nice.
You can find Thai coconut ice cream at:
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Busy night markets where lots of people go to eat after dark
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Special food fairs with many different food stalls
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Local festivals with music, dancing, and fun
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Even at temple events during celebrations
The best part is it doesn’t cost much. Usually, one serving costs about 30 to 50 baht — that’s only $1 to $2. So, it’s easy for anyone to try this tasty, cold dessert.
Eating Thai coconut ice cream at a street market is more than just food — it’s a fun way to feel the lively Thai culture and meet friendly people. It’s a small treat that makes visiting Thailand special.

How to Make Thai Coconut Ice Cream at Home (Easy Recipe)
Want to make Thai coconut ice cream at home? It’s simple and fun! You only need a few things like coconut milk and sugar. You don’t need a special machine — just a pot and a freezer.
It’s a great way to enjoy a cool, tasty treat anytime, even if you’re not in Thailand!
Want me to give you the easy steps to make it?
Ingredients:
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2 cups coconut milk
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1/2 cup coconut cream
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1/2 cup sugar (you can use less if you like)
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A pinch of salt
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Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch (makes it creamier)
Steps:
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Mix all the ingredients in a pot.
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Heat gently until the sugar melts. Don’t let it boil.
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Let it cool completely.
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Pour it into a container and freeze.
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Stir every 30–45 minutes for about 3–4 hours to keep it soft and smooth.
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Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Why People Love Thai Coconut Ice Cream

People love this dessert because:
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It’s Cool and Refreshing
Thai coconut ice cream is a perfect treat for hot days. It’s made from coconut milk, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture. Unlike regular ice cream, it’s lighter and doesn’t feel heavy. This makes it a refreshing choice when you want something cool and sweet.
The natural coconut flavor is mild and pleasant, not too sweet or overpowering. This makes it enjoyable for everyone, even if you’re not a fan of very sweet desserts. Whether you’re relaxing at home or exploring a market, this ice cream is a delightful way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth
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It’s Dairy-Free and Vegan-Friendly
Thai coconut ice cream is made from coconut milk and coconut cream, not cow’s milk. This means it doesn’t have any dairy, making it dairy-free. Because it’s made only from plants, it’s also vegan-friendly. So, if you don’t eat dairy or follow a vegan diet, you can enjoy this ice cream without worry.
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You Can Choose Your Own Toppings
One of the best parts about Thai coconut ice cream is that you can add your favourite toppings! When you buy it from a street vendor or make it at home, you can pick from many delicious options to put on top.
Some popular toppings include:
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Roasted peanuts – crunchy and salty
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Sweet sticky rice – chewy and sweet
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Corn – sweet and juicy
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Jackfruit – sweet and fruity
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Coconut jelly – soft and chewy
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Sweetened red beans – sweet and soft
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Taro or sweet potato – soft and slightly sweet
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Barley – chewy and mild
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Palm seeds (Attap seeds) – chewy and sweet
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Nata de coco – chewy and slightly tangy
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Toasted mung beans – crunchy and nutty
You can mix and match these toppings to create your perfect combination. Whether you like it sweet, crunchy, or chewy, there’s a topping for everyone! This makes each bowl of Thai coconut ice cream unique and fun to enjoy.
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It’s Simple but Full of Flavour
Thai coconut ice cream is made with just a few basic ingredients: coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Despite its simplicity, it offers a rich and refreshing taste. The coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a mild, natural coconut flavour that’s not overpowering. The addition of a little salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavours, making each bite delightful.
This straightforward combination results in an ice cream that’s both light and satisfying, perfect for enjoying on a warm day. Its simplicity allows the pure coconut taste to shine through, offering a clean and authentic dessert experience.
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It’s a fun way to try real Thai street food
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It’s a Fun Way to Try Real Thai Street Food
Thai coconut ice cream is a delicious treat that’s easy to find in Thailand. It’s made from coconut milk, making it a refreshing choice, especially on hot days.tastythailand.com
Where to Find It: You can enjoy this ice cream at various places, including:
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Street Vendors: Look for vendors pushing carts with metal containers filled with ice cream. They often serve it in a small cup or a bun.tastythailand.comfoodonthestreetblog.wordpress.com
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Markets: Popular spots like Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok offer coconut ice cream with a variety of toppings. For around 35 Baht (approximately $1), you can get a scoop with three toppings and a drink .eatyourworld.com+3travelfoodiemy.blogspot.com+3dreamstime.com+3
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Floating Markets: At markets like Damnoen Saduak, vendors sell coconut ice cream from boats, adding to the unique experience .tasteread.com
How It’s Served: Traditionally, the ice cream is served in a half coconut shell, adding to its charm. You can choose from various toppings such as roasted peanuts, sweet sticky rice, corn, jackfruit, and coconut jelly .travellersscoops.wordpress.com+1foodonthestreetblog.wordpress.com+1
Why It’s Special: This ice cream offers a taste of authentic Thai street food culture. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s about the experience of enjoying a local delicacy in a traditional setting.
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It’s also something both locals and tourists enjoy, making it a sweet memory of Thailand.
You Don’t Have to Be in Thailand to Enjoy Thai Coconut Ice Cream
All you need is coconut milk, sugar, and some simple toppings. Even if you don’t have an ice cream machine, you can still freeze it and stir it a few times to make it creamy.
Making Thai coconut ice cream at home is fun and lets you taste the fresh, tropical flavors of Thailand anytime you want. It’s a cool and sweet treat for hot days or when you want something different.
You can even make it with family or friends, and everyone can add their favorite toppings. So no matter where you live, you can enjoy the taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen!

FAQs
1. What is ice cream?
It’s a cold dessert made from coconut milk instead of regular milk. It tastes fresh, creamy, and sweet with coconut flavor.
2. Is ice cream dairy-free?
Yes! It’s made with coconut milk, so it doesn’t have dairy. It’s good for people who can’t eat milk.
3. Where can I buy ice cream?
You can find it at street markets, night markets, food fairs, and local festivals in Thailand.
4. What toppings are usually added?
Common toppings are sticky rice, roasted peanuts, corn, jackfruit, palm seeds, and condensed milk.
5. Can I make ice cream at home?
Yes! You can make it easily with coconut milk, sugar, and some simple steps.
6. Is it expensive?
No, it’s usually cheap and costs about 30 to 50 baht ($1 to $2 USD).
7. What makes Thai coconut ice cream different from regular ice cream?
It’s lighter and made with coconut milk, so it has a fresh coconut taste and no dairy.
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