Thailand Guide

Bua Loi in Chiang Mai บัวลอย

Bua loi is rice balls in warm coconut milk, known as a gentle night-market dessert. It fits the end of a Chiang Mai grill dinner.

Chiang Mai30 to 50 THBbua loi Thai food hub
Bua Loi in Chiang Mai

Photo: Bestyful (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Thaiบัวลอย · bua loi
Price30 to 50 THB
ServeWarm coconut
UseDessert cup

What it tastes like

  • Chewy rice balls, sweet coconut, and sometimes an egg. Warm, not iced. It should not be glue.

How to order it

  • Thai name: bua loi (บัวลอย).
  • Say: Khor bua loi, khrap/kha.
  • A cup, not a meal. Mango sticky rice is the fruit alternative.

Typical price

  • 2026 cash: 30 to 50 THB.

Where to try it

  • Sunday Walking Street dessert cups, Ratchadamnoen Rd, Phra Sing. Sunday from 16:00. 30 to 50 THB. Weeknight Nimman dessert shops also pour a cup.

Spice level and diet

  • Heat: None.
  • Diet: Coconut milk and rice flour. Egg optional. Usually vegetarian if no egg.

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Common questions

Hot or iced?
Warm coconut is the usual. Iced is a different sweet.
Egg on top?
Some cups add a soft egg. Say mai sai khai if you do not want it.