Desserts
Cha Houy Teuk
Ingredients
- - 200 g (7 oz) grass jelly, cubed
- - 150 g (5.3 oz) young palm seeds (thnot), drained
- - 100 g (3.5 oz) jackfruit, sliced into strips
- - 80 g (1/2 cup) small tapioca pearls, cooked
- - 400 ml (1 3/4 cups) coconut milk
- - 60 g (1/3 cup) sugar
- - pinch of salt
- - crushed ice, to serve
Method
- Cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions until translucent; drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a saucepan, warm the coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature or chill.
- In serving glasses or bowls, layer the grass jelly, palm seeds, jackfruit strips and cooked tapioca pearls.
- Pour the sweetened coconut milk over the top.
- Add a generous scoop of crushed ice just before serving.
Introduction: Cha Houy Teuk is a refreshing chilled dessert soup of colourful grass jelly, jackfruit, palm seeds and tapioca pearls bathed in sweetened coconut milk and crushed ice.
Cultural Background: Cha Houy Teuk is a refreshing chilled dessert soup of colourful grass jelly, jackfruit, palm seeds and tapioca pearls bathed in sweetened coconut milk and crushed ice. It is a popular hot-weather treat sold from carts across Cambodian towns, drawing on ingredients shared widely across mainland Southeast Asian dessert traditions.
Tips: Chill all components beforehand for the most refreshing result. Balance the sweetness of the coconut milk against the natural sweetness of the jackfruit and palm seeds — start with less sugar and adjust to taste.
Variations: Diced mango or lychee can be added for extra fruitiness. Red-tinted grass jelly and colourful jellies are sometimes used for a festive appearance. Already vegetarian and vegan as written.
Storage: Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; assemble just before serving.
Reheating: Not applicable — served cold.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 260 kcal, 3 g protein, 12 g fat, 36 g carbohydrate, 2 g fibre, 90 mg sodium.
FAQs:
Q: Where can I find palm seeds and grass jelly?
A: Southeast Asian grocery stores typically stock both fresh or canned; canned versions work well for this dessert.
Q: Can this be made less sweet?
A: Yes — reduce the sugar in the coconut milk to taste, as the fruit and jellies already contribute natural sweetness.