"Khanom Tian"
(
ขนมเทียน
) are small parcels made from glutinous rice flour, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The dough becomes soft and
slightly sticky during steaming, while the leaf imparts a subtle, herbal fragrance. Khanom Tian come in two versions. The sweet variety is filled with sweetened
mung beans. The savory version also uses mung beans as a base, but is seasoned with garlic, shallots, and often pepper.
The compact, pyramid-like shape is formed by folding the banana leaves and resembles a small candle, which is reflected in the name.
“Tian” (
เทียน
)
means candle. The leaves serve as a natural casing during steaming and are removed before eating. Khanom Tian are closely associated with Thai-Chinese
festivities, particularly the Chinese New Year, but are also enjoyed as an everyday snack.
Name
Khanom Tian
- Khanom (ขนม)
- Dessert, Pastry, Snack (also savory)
- Tian (เทียน)
- Candle
Alternative names
Kanom Tian,
Kanom Thian,
Khanom Thian,
Khanom Thean
Recipes
