Thai crepes, also known as “khanom buang” or “kanom buang,” are a popular street food in Thailand. These thin and crispy crepes are typically filled with a mixture of sweet and savoury ingredients, making them a versatile snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Thai crepes and their unique features, as well as the various types of fillings that can be used to create this delicious snack.
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The History and Origins of Thai Crepes
Thai crepes have a long and interesting history, dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767), which was one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in Southeast Asia. It is believed that the crepes were first introduced to Thailand by Chinese traders who immigrated to the country during the reign of King Narai (1656–1688).
Over time, Thai chefs adapted the recipe and added their own unique twists, resulting in the delicious and versatile snack that is now known as Thai crepes.
The Characteristics of Thai Crepes
Thai crepes are made using a batter that is typically made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sometimes eggs. The batter is poured onto a hot griddle or flat pan and cooked until crispy and golden brown. The crepes are then folded into a cone shape and filled with a variety of ingredients.
One of the unique features of Thai crepes is that they are often filled with a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients. Sweet fillings can include coconut cream, palm sugar, and shredded coconut, while savoury fillings can include minced pork, shrimp, and onions.
Types of Fillings for Thai Crepes
As mentioned above, Thai crepes can be filled with a wide range of ingredients. Here are some popular fillings that are commonly used in Thailand:
- Foi thong (shredded egg yolk): This sweet filling is made from shredded egg yolk that has been cooked in a sugar syrup until it becomes golden and crispy.
- Cream (coconut or vanilla): Coconut cream or vanilla cream are both popular fillings for Thai crepes. The cream is typically mixed with sugar to create a sweet and creamy filling.
- Prik Yuak (Sweet Egg Filling): This filling is made from eggs, coconut milk, and sugar. The mixture is cooked until it becomes thick and creamy and is then used to fill the crepes.
- Sangkaya (Coconut Custard): This filling is made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaves. The mixture is cooked until it becomes thick and creamy and is then used to fill the crepes.
- Saengwa (minced pork and shrimp): This savoury filling is made from minced pork, shrimp, onions, and sometimes garlic. The mixture is cooked until it becomes fragrant and flavorful and is then used to fill the crepes.
Conclusion
Thai crepes are a delicious and versatile street food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury fillings, there is a Thai crepe filling out there that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So if you ever find yourself in Thailand, be sure to try some of these delicious and crispy crepes—you won’t be disappointed!
