Tubtim Krob, or Crispy Rubies (Traditional Thai Dessert) in Bangkok, Thailand

Tubtim Krob, or "Crispy Rubies"

by Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

After a delicious lunch of crab pad Thai at the Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning Baan Phadthai in Bangkok's old town, I still had a little room left for dessert. I ordered their signature tubtim krob, which is also recommended by the Michelin guide.

I was expecting a simple bowl of this traditional Thai sweet but was delighted when it came out in several components for me to assemble myself.

tubtim krob, or "crispy rubies" at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

Video Review

 

Tubtim krop, or "crispy rubies" is one of Thailand's most popular traditional desserts. It was even named as one of the world's best desserts by CNN Travel in 2023!

Tubtim krob is made from cubes of water chestnuts soaked in grenadine and boiled in a thick and sticky tapioca flour. The bright red pieces of water chestnut are served over crushed ice and drowned in a large serving of sweet coconut milk infused with the scent and flavor of pandan leaves. Though sometimes compared with vanilla, pandan has a fresh and bright aroma all its own.

The result is a sweet dessert that’s both chewy and crunchy, with a hint of salt from the coconut broth and a rich, aromatic sweetness from the coconut milk. The traditional crushed ice gives it a cooling feeling which is great if you've just enjoyed a spicy Thai meal. The dessert also came with several thick shavings of fresh coconut to add an extra complexity and texture to the dish.

tubtim krob - traditional Thai dessert with water chestnuts in coconut milk

Location

Baan Phadthai is located at 21 23 Charoen Krung 44 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. It's just a short walk (about 5 minutes) from BTS Saphan Taksin and the Sathorn Pier (the central boat pier).

Try their signature crab pad Thai: Crab pad Thai at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok

Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

The restaurant is cozy and inviting. The walls are decorated with wooden panels from Ayutthaya (the old capital of Thailand), and the shop is decorated with vintage Thai advertisements and cool retro antiques and decorations.

cozy, vintage interior at Baan Phadthai, Bangkok, Thailand

See the map for walking directions and the exact location of Baan Phadthai in Bangkok, Thailand.