I saw these cute little spongey fruit-shaped candies trending on TikTok recently and decided to go down the rabbit hole. These sweet mung bean treats known as Luk Chup are a much-loved Thai delicacy hailing from Marzipan which was first gifted to the Thai Royal family by the Portuguese, back in the 1600s. When I visited Bangkok, I did notice these in malls and pop-up markets, so I did my research and here's all you need to know about Luk Chup!
What is Luk Chup?
Kanom Luk Chup (ขนมลูกชุบ) is a traditional Thai dessert made from mung beans, agar agar, sugar, and coconut milk. What sets it apart is its stunning presentation. It's often moulded and painted to resemble miniature fruits and vegetables. The name "Luk Chup" translates to "moulded fruit," and is a famous dessert made during Songkran (Thai New Year). Additionally, you'll also be able to find it around Chinatown during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Back in the day, this delicate dessert was only consumed by royalty. Not because of its foreign-influenced origins but because making it was a time-consuming task that required a lot of patience.
What Does Luk Chup Taste Like?
Luk Chup is a sweet snack which has a jelly-like outer layer and a smooth and creamy inner texture with a hint of a nutty coconut milk taste. It's very small in size and often eaten by children. Luk Chup is very famous among locals around Thailand.
Up until recently, foreigners weren't really aware of its existence cause from the outside it looks like fruit-shaped hard candy.
What is Luk Chup Made Of?
The primary ingredients in Luk Chup are mung beans and coconut milk. Agar Agar is used for the coloured coating. Here is the list of ingredients used in Luk Chup and why they're used:
Mashed Mung Beans: To get the paste texture that isn't too strong in flavour or colour.
Sugar
Coconut Milk: For the creamy and nutty flavour.
Agar-Agar: To give it the coloured glossy finish
Food Coloring: To add the fruit characteristics
It's not only a dessert but has many health benefits. Both mung beans and coconut milk have great nutritious values.
Where to Buy Luk Chup in Thailand?
Luk Chup can be found in various markets and dessert shops across Thailand. Some of the best places to look for this delightful dessert are:
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Dessert Shops in Malls (the first place where I spotted Luk Chup and various other traditional Thai sweets was at the food court at Siam Paragon in Bangkok)
Some supermarkets in Bangkok
Street vendors - Although we don't recommend street vendors due to hygienic concerns (keep in mind there's hand sculpture involved when making this dessert), many locals buy from them as it resembles the authentic Luk Chup.
Is Luk Chup Halal?
Luk Chup is generally considered halal as its primary ingredients—mung beans, sugar, coconut milk, and agar agar— are all permissible. However, it's always best to check with the vendor or producer to ensure that no non-halal ingredients, additives or gelatines are used, especially in the glazing process.
Is Luk Chup Vegan?
Yes, Luk Chup is vegan-friendly. Its ingredients are plant-based, including mung beans, sugar, coconut milk, and agar-agar for the glossy finish. There are no animal products used in traditional Luk Chup recipes, making it suitable for vegans. However, like with any food, it’s good practice to confirm with the vendor to ensure no animal gelatines are included.
Where to Buy Luk Chup Outside Thailand?
If you're craving Luk Chup and you're not in Thailand, you can still find them in certain Thai Restaurants. However, as they have a 3-5 day shelf life, these can be expensive desserts if bought outside of Thailand.
There is little chance of finding Luk Chup at Southeast Asian Grocery stores. I went looking for Luk Chup near me and couldn't find them at regular Asian Markets. Your best bet would be to go to cultural festivals like Songkran or Thai Food Festivals in your area, you may be able to find these.
And if you cannot seem to find it anywhere, you might as well make it! Although the sculpting technique can be challenging, the ingredients for luk chup can be sourced easily.
Luk Chup Recipe - Make at Home
Here's an easy luk chup recipe you can make at home with basic ingredients without stressing too much.
Ingredients:
2 Cups (500g) of Yellow Split Mung Beans
1 1/2 Cups Coconut Milk
1 1/2 Cup White Sugar (If you like more sweetened, you can go up to 2 Cups)
Agar Agar Powder (you can opt for gelatine too)
2 Cups Water
1/4 Tsp Salt
Food colouring
Method:
Soak the beans in room-temperature water overnight and steam them for about 45 minutes
Mash the beans and combine Coconut Milk, Sugar, Water and Salt
Start cooking it over low heat until the somewhat runny mixture turns to a thick mouldable paste
Here comes the difficult part,
Now with the dough, you have to mould tiny individual fruits or vegetable shapes. You can make use of toothpicks to carve and give them the extra detail.
With a tiny brush, paint your luk chup figurines using food colouring. Use toothpicks or skewers to stick the fruits so it's easier to paint.
Next,
Start boiling the agar agar/gelatine in water until fully dissolved and let the liquid rest till the temperature is not too hot nor too cool.
Dip the fruits in the mix and stand the toothpicks/skewers letting excess liquid drip. You can do this step multiple times if the glossy look doesn't stay on the first try.
Once the fruits are dried, you can serve them or store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Conclusion;
Luk Chup is a beloved Thai dessert made of mung beans and if you're travelling to Thailand, don't forget to try it. If you're a tad bit too late, having visited Thailand already, it's alright, you can make it at home. You'll need a steamer, some skewers and a whole lot of patience, but it's totally worth it!
Tried Luk Chup before? Let us know what you think about it in the comments below!