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Thailand · Dessert

Tao Suan (Mung Bean Pudding)

50 min
340 kcal
6 servings

By eatmundo · July 12, 2026

Tao Suan (Mung Bean Pudding)🇹🇭AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

8 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Tao Suan (Mung Bean Pudding). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Sweet porridge30 recipes from 12 countriesSee all 8 matches

A delightful and humble Thai dessert consisting of steamed mung beans coated in a glossy, sweet, and fragrant tapioca starch syrup, typically served with a drizzle of salty-sweet coconut cream.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Tao Suan from another cuisine is Bubur Kacang Hijau (Malaysia): the two share 67% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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6 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Soak 200g of split mung beans in water for 2 hours, then steam them for 15 minutes until tender but firm.

  • 2

    In a small saucepan, bring 400ml of coconut milk and a pinch of salt to a gentle simmer with a knotted pandan leaf.

  • 3

    Mix 3 tablespoons of tapioca starch with 5 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.

  • 4

    In a separate pot, boil 300ml of water with 100g of sugar and another pandan leaf until the sugar dissolves.

  • 5

    Stir the starch slurry into the boiling sugar syrup while constantly stirring until the liquid turns translucent and thickens.

  • 6

    Gently fold the steamed mung beans into the thickened syrup, being careful not to mash them.

  • 7

    Remove from heat and spoon the mixture into serving bowls.

  • 8

    Top each bowl with a generous ladle of the prepared coconut cream and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tao Suan?

Tao Suan is a Thai dessert consisting of split mung beans thickened with tapioca starch and served with a coconut milk sauce. It is flavored with pandan leaf and typically enjoyed as a warm, sweet snack.

Which type of mung bean should I buy for Tao Suan?

You must use split yellow mung beans, which have had the green skins removed, to ensure they soften correctly without becoming mushy.

How do I prevent the mung beans from turning into a paste?

Steam the beans for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender but still holding their shape before adding them to the thickened starch syrup.

Can I substitute fresh pandan leaves?

If fresh pandan is unavailable, you can use a few drops of pandan extract, though fresh leaves provide a superior, authentic aroma.

What is the best way to thicken the pudding?

Use tapioca starch mixed with water and stir it in slowly while the syrup is boiling to achieve the signature glossy, translucent consistency.

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