Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok)
ขนมครก (Khanom Krok)
Description
Bangkok offers an extraordinary variety of Khanom Krok, from humble street carts to upscale market stalls in trendy neighborhoods. The capital's vendors compete with unique toppings and perfected techniques, with some families maintaining generations-old recipes. Both traditional morning market versions and contemporary interpretations are readily available throughout the bustling metropolis.
Dietary Information
Milk
Eggs
Tree Nuts
Wheat
Vegetarian
Vegan
Optional
This dish contains gluten
Serving information
Serving style
Traditional vendors use banana leaf containers; modern vendors may use paper cups or small cardboard boxes. Usually served with a small wooden skewer for eating.
Quick facts
Traditional morning vendors: 5 AM - 10 AM; Market vendors: varies by market hours; Evening vendors: 4 PM - 10 PM
Safety Tips
What to Look For
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Pancakes cooked fresh to order
Fresh batches ensure both safety and optimal texture. Look for vendors actively cooking rather than those with pre-made pancakes sitting out.
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Proper coconut milk storage
Fresh coconut milk spoils easily in hot weather. Look for vendors who keep it chilled or in small batches that are used quickly.
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Clean, well-maintained cooking pans
The specialty cast iron pans should be clean and properly seasoned. Poorly maintained pans can harbor bacteria and affect flavor.
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Covered toppings and ingredients
Fresh toppings like corn, green onions, and taro should be kept covered to protect from insects and environmental contamination.
What to avoid
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Pre-made pancakes sitting at ambient temperature
Due to their high moisture content and coconut milk base, Khanom Krok can spoil quickly when left unrefrigerated, especially in Thailand's heat.
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Sour or off-smelling coconut aroma
Coconut milk spoils quickly. Any sour smell indicates the mixture may have started fermenting, especially in hot weather.
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Vendors with poor hygiene practices
Avoid vendors who handle money and food without washing hands or changing gloves, or whose stalls appear generally unclean.
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Undercooked centers
While centers should be soft and creamy, they shouldn't be completely liquid or raw. Proper cooking ensures food safety.
Price information
Price range
Budget tips
- Local morning markets like Khlong Toei or Or Tor Kor offer better value (25-40 THB) than tourist areas
- Shopping mall food courts charge premium prices (40-60 THB) for essentially the same product
- Avoid vendors in major tourist spots like Khaosan Road where prices can be 50% higher
- Some vendors offer discounts for larger quantities
Value indicators
- Multiple topping options included in the price rather than charged extra
- Proper thickness and generous filling amounts
- Made to order rather than pre-made
- Traditional banana leaf packaging instead of styrofoam or plastic
Where to Find This Dish
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Several well-established vendors can be found throughout this massive market, particularly in the food sections
JJ Mall, Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station, Market Clock Tower
9 AM - 2 PM Weekends
Or Tor Kor Market
Premium fresh market with high-quality Khanom Krok vendors using top-grade ingredients
Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station, Or Tor Kor Market Building
Early Morning, Mid-Morning
Old Town (Rattanakosin)
Traditional vendors in the historic district often using old family recipes
Nang Loeng Market, Banglamphu Area, Wat Saket vicinity
Morning, Early Evening
Victory Monument Area
Popular street food zone with several Khanom Krok vendors, especially in the morning
Victory Monument BTS, Rangnam Road, Soi Rangnam
6 AM - 10 AM, Evening
Vendor Tips
- Vendors with long queues, especially in the morning markets, are usually worth the wait
- Some famous vendors sell out by mid-morning, particularly in Chatuchak and Or Tor Kor
- Look for vendors who cook on charcoal rather than gas for more authentic flavor
- Some high-end vendors in Or Tor Kor Market use premium coconut milk - prices are higher but quality is exceptional
How to Order
Regional Variations
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Premium Coconut Khanom Krok
(ขนมครกมะพร้าวน้ำหอม)
High-end vendors in Bangkok often use aromatic coconut varieties (maprao nam hom) for a more fragrant profile.
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Modern Thai Fusion Khanom Krok
(ขนมครกฟิวชั่น)
Some trendy Bangkok vendors offer non-traditional toppings like egg custard, chocolate, pandan, or even cheese.
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Bangkok Vendor-Specific Styles
(สูตรเฉพาะร้าน)
Many famous Bangkok vendors have signature recipes with specific textures, sweetness levels, or proprietary topping combinations they're known for.
Cultural context
History
Khanom Krok has ancient roots in Thai cuisine, with some culinary historians tracing variants back to the early Sukhothai period (13th-15th centuries). The dish likely has influences from Indian appam and Chinese cooking techniques. Originally a palace dessert, it evolved into popular street food as specialized pans became more accessible. The balanced flavor profile represents Thai culinary philosophy of incorporating sweet, salty, and creamy elements into a harmonious whole.
Local significance
In Bangkok, Khanom Krok represents both traditional Thai food heritage and the city's evolving food scene, with some vendors experimenting with new flavors while others maintain century-old recipes.
Eating customs
- In Bangkok, often eaten on-the-go during morning commutes
- Frequently purchased in larger quantities to share with coworkers or family
- Some locals have favorite vendors they visit regularly, becoming part of their routine