Colorful glutinous rice balls in coconut milk
Bua Loy is a Thai dessert of small colorful glutinous rice balls served in warm, sweetened coconut milk. The balls are made of glutinous rice flour mixed with natural colorings: pandan (green), taro (purple), pumpkin (orange) and plain (white). They are poached in boiling water then served in creamy coconut milk sweetened with palm sugar. The texture is soft and slightly chewy, contrasting with the sweetness of coconut milk.
Bua Loy, meaning "floating lotus", is a traditional Thai dessert served at festivals and ceremonies. The colorful balls floating in white coconut milk evoke lotus flowers on water. It is particularly popular during the Loy Krathong festival.