Bua Loy is a traditional Thai dessert made with soft rice flour balls served in sweet coconut milk. This Best Bua Loy Recipe is easy to make, colorful, and offers a delicious, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors of Thailand with this warm, satisfying dessert!

Sweet Rice Balls in Creamy Coconut Milk
Bua Loy is a traditional Thai dessert made with soft, chewy rice flour balls served in a fragrant and creamy coconut milk soup. This Best Bua Loy Recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients like glutinous rice flour and coconut milk to create a comforting, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned fan, Bua Loy offers a delicious, unique dessert experience with its combination of tender rice balls and rich coconut flavor.
Why is it Called “Bua Loy”?
In Thai, Bua Loy means “floating lotus.” The name comes from the way the rice balls float to the surface when they’re done cooking, resembling lotus flowers floating in water. Bua Loy is a beloved dessert in Thailand, often served during festive occasions or as a treat after dinner. Traditionally, the rice balls are plain, but modern variations use colorful ingredients like pumpkin, pandan, or taro to add more visual appeal. It’s a comforting, sweet dessert that is both satisfying and simple to make.

How Should Bua Loy Taste?
A perfect bowl of Bua Loy should have soft, chewy rice balls with a subtle sweetness. The coconut milk soup should be rich and creamy, with a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness. The rice balls can be flavored with natural ingredients like pumpkin or pandan, giving them a slight earthy or floral taste. The coconut milk itself should be warm and fragrant, with just the right amount of sweetness from the sugar. When garnished with toasted sesame seeds or fresh coconut, the dessert has added texture and complexity, making every bite delightful.
Read More: Authentic Khao Soi Recipe: A Flavorful Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect
To ensure your Best Bua Loy Recipe turns out perfect every time, follow these key tips:
- Use Warm Water for the Dough: When making the rice balls, use warm water to help the glutinous rice flour bind more easily. This makes the dough smoother and easier to roll into balls.
- Cook the Rice Balls Properly: The rice balls are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This ensures they are fully cooked but still retain their chewy texture. Don’t overcook them, as they can become too soft and lose their delightful chewiness.
- Adjust the Coconut Milk to Your Preference: If you prefer a thicker coconut milk soup, reduce the amount of water or use coconut cream for a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, stick to regular coconut milk.
- Natural Coloring for the Rice Balls: For a beautiful presentation, you can divide the dough and color it with natural ingredients like pumpkin puree (orange), pandan juice (green), or butterfly pea flower (blue). These add subtle flavors and make the dessert visually stunning.
- Serve Warm: Bua Loy is traditionally served warm, which enhances the flavors of the coconut milk and the chewiness of the rice balls. However, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you prefer.

Bua Loy Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Small cups or molds (for shaping the balls)
- Rolling Pin optional
Ingredients
For the Rice Balls:
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup pandan juice
For the Coconut Milk Soup:
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- Pandan leaves
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds optional
- Fresh coconut meat optional
Instructions
- 1. Make the Rice BallsIn a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms. If you want to add colors, divide the dough into two portions. Mix one portion with pumpkin puree for orange color and the other with pandan juice for green color.Roll the dough into small, marble-sized balls. If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands with a bit of rice flour to make handling easier.2. Cook the Rice BallsBring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Drop the rice balls into the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once they float, use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.3. Prepare the Coconut Milk SoupIn a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, sugar, salt, and pandan leaves (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture is warm but not boiling.Remove the pandan leaves before serving.4. Assemble the Bua LoyDrain the cooked rice balls and divide them into serving bowls.Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the rice balls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh coconut meat if desired.5. ServeServe the Bua Loy warm for the best experience, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Notes
- Color Variations: To make your Bua Loy colorful, use natural ingredients like pumpkin, pandan, or butterfly pea flower to tint the rice balls. These add not only visual appeal but also subtle flavor variations.
- Coconut Milk Thickness: For a thicker and creamier coconut soup, reduce the water in the coconut milk mixture or use coconut cream instead.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the rice balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in warm water and add them to the coconut milk soup.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. Some versions of Bua Loy are sweeter, but you can reduce the sugar for a more subtle dessert.
Conclusion
This Best Bua Loy Recipe is a simple yet delicious Thai dessert that brings together the rich, creamy flavor of coconut milk with the soft, chewy texture of rice flour balls. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just as a treat after dinner, Bua Loy is sure to delight with its comforting sweetness and beautiful presentation. The addition of colorful rice balls and a warm coconut milk soup makes this dessert a true representation of Thai culinary tradition. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home!