Bananas in Sweet Coconut Milk (Kluai Buat Chi)
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Feb 13th 2025 
It's a traditional Thai dessert made with semi-ripe Nam Wa bananas cooked in sweet coconut milk, creating a simple yet delicious treat that is both comforting and popular. It is often served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Table of Contents
This dessert is simple but delicious, featuring ripe bananas simmered in a mixture of coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Some variations include pandan leaves for extra fragrance or sesame seeds for a nutty touch.
It’s a comforting and popular Thai sweet treat, often served warm but also enjoyed at room temperature.
What you'll need
- Bananas 🍌 – Preferably ripe but still firm, as they hold their shape well when cooked.
- Pandan Leaf 🌿 – Adds a fragrant aroma to the coconut milk.
- Coconut Milk 🥥 – Rich and creamy, forming the base of the dessert.
- Palm Sugar 🍯 – Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Sugar 🍚 – Adds extra sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Salt 🧂 – Enhances the taste and balances the sweetness.
- Arrowroot Starch or Tapioca Flour 🌾 – Coats the bananas, giving a slightly chewy texture.
🍌 Thai People Use Bananas from Top to Bottom – More Than Just a Fruit! 🇹🇭
In Thailand, we use every part of the banana plant—from the blossoms to the stem, leaves, and fruit! 🌿✨
Let me show you how bananas are more than just a delicious snack; they are part of our culture and cuisine!
🪷 Banana Blossoms are edible and often cooked in dishes like:
🍲 Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่) – Coconut chicken soup with banana blossoms.
🍜 Pad Thai (ผัดไทย) – Served fresh on the side to enjoy with noodles.
🍃 Banana Leaves are nature’s perfect food wrap! We use them as containers for steaming, grilling, and boiling. For example:
🍙 Khao Tom Mat (ข้าวต้มมัด) – Sticky rice with banana and black beans, wrapped in banana leaves.
🍛 Hor Mok (ห่อหมก) – Steamed curry fish custard wrapped in banana leaves.
🐟 Grilled Fish (ปลาย่างห่อใบตอง) – Fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled for a smoky aroma.
🌿 Banana Stems are also used in cooking and traditional activities:
- 🍛 Gaeng Yuak (แกงหยวกกล้วย) – A savory curry made from tender banana stems.
- 🪷 Loy Krathong Festival (วันลอยกระทง) – The thick part of the banana stem is cut into round bases to create beautiful floating baskets called “Krathong” for this famous Thai festival.
In Thai cuisine, we cook bananas at every stage—from green and firm to soft and fully ripe. Here are some popular Thai banana recipes you must try:
🍌 Kluai Buat Chi (กล้วยบวชชี) – Bananas in sweet coconut milk.
🍌 Kluai Thod (กล้วยทอด) – Deep-fried bananas in a crispy batter.
🍌 Khanom Kluai (ขนมกล้วย) – Steamed banana cake with coconut.
🍌 Kluai Ping (กล้วยปิ้ง) – Grilled bananas with sweet syrup.
FAQs
🍌 Can I use other types of bananas if I can’t find Nam Wa?
Yes, you can use plantains or Cavendish bananas, but the texture will be slightly different.
Nam Wa bananas are firmer and have a more traditional flavor.
🥥 How do I prevent the coconut milk from curdling?
Cook the coconut milk over low to medium heat and avoid boiling it vigorously.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
⏳ Can I make Kluai Buat Chi ahead of time?
Yes! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat.
Add a splash of coconut milk if it thickens too much.
🌿 How do I make this dish vegan or gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, using only bananas, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners.
Just ensure that the palm sugar you use is pure.
🥜 What toppings can I add to make it more special?
Here are some traditional and creative toppings:
▫️ Toasted sesame seeds (adds nuttiness)
▫️Crispy mung beans (for crunch)
▫️Shredded coconut (extra coconut flavor)
▫️A drizzle of coconut cream (for a rich finish)
🥣 Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes! While it’s commonly served warm, chilled Kluai Buat Chi is a refreshing treat, especially in summer. Just refrigerate before serving.
👍 Is this dessert healthy?
Yes! It’s a natural, plant-based dessert rich in potassium from bananas and healthy fats from coconut milk.
You can reduce the sugar for a healthier version.
Bananas are truly a gift from nature! 🌿🍌 From cooking to festivals, every part of the banana plant has a purpose in Thai culture.
Have you tried any of these Thai banana dishes? Share your favorites in the comments below! 👇😊
Bananas in Sweet Coconut Milk (Kluai Buat Chi)
Prep time
40 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
Steps
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Cooking Bananas in Sweet Coconut Milk (Kluai Buat Chi) 🍌🥥:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the bananas for about 15 minutes until softened. Immediately transfer them to cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Peel the bananas and cut them into small cubes or bite-sized pieces. Toss them in arrowroot starch, making sure they are evenly coated.
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Shake off any excess starch to prevent the coconut milk mixture from becoming too thick.
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Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the coated banana pieces. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Boil until the starch turns translucent and fully cooks. Transfer to cold water and set aside.
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In a pot, combine coconut milk, pandan leaf, sugar, salt, and palm sugar. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
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Add the cooked bananas to the coconut milk mixture and gently stir. Let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra aroma.
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Nutritional info
% of daily valueCalorie Breakdown
Protein
40 cal
Fat
619 cal
Carbs
534 cal
Tips
I suggest using semi-ripe bananas when cooking dishes like Kluai Buat Chi (bananas in coconut milk) or Kluai Thod (fried bananas).
Why? 🤔
Because at the semi-ripe stage, bananas are:
✅ Slightly firm – They hold their shape perfectly when boiled or fried.
✅ Lightly sweet – Not too sugary, just the right balance.
✅ Aromatic – They bring out a natural banana fragrance when cooked.
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