Khao tom mat

Khao tom, also known as Khao tom mat, is a cherished dessert in Southeast Asia, particularly among the people of Laos and Thailand. This delectable treat is made by steaming glutinous rice that has been seasoned and then wrapped in banana leaves. Similar versions of this dessert can be found in other countries as well. For example, in the Philippines, it’s called suman; in Cambodia, it's ansom chek; in Indonesia, it’s referred to as lepet; and in Vietnam, you might encounter it as bánh tét or bánh chưng.

Khao tom can be either savory or sweet. The savory variety is often filled with pork fat and mung beans, while the sweet variety typically contains coconut milk and banana. In Thailand, you may even come across Khao tom that is dyed a beautiful blue using Clitoria ternatea flowers. There is also a special variant with black beans known as Khao tom mat.

In Thai culture, Khao tom mat is more than just a delicious dessert; it carries significant cultural and religious importance. For instance, during the Sai Krachat tradition practiced by the Thai Phuan people in Lopburi Province, Khao tom is wrapped and rice is ground for noodles as part of a Buddhist merit-making ritual. On Khao Phansa Day, offering Khao tom mat to monks is believed to bless couples with a harmonious marriage. Additionally, on Ok Phansa Day, another version called Khao tom luk yon is wrapped in young mangrove fan palm leaves and offered to Buddha images.