Cha mongkut facts for kids

Cha mongkut (Thai: จ่ามงกุฎ, pronounced [t͡ɕàː mōŋkùt]) is a special traditional Thai dessert. It's a bit like another sweet treat called kalamae. To make Cha mongkut, chefs mix rice flour, sticky glutinous flour, and green bean flour. They stir this mix with coconut milk and sugar until it becomes thick and sticky.

Often, people sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top of Cha mongkut. Sometimes, it's even filled with melon seeds. The dessert is usually cut into small, bite-sized pieces. These pieces are then wrapped in banana leaves. What makes Cha mongkut extra special is its lovely smell. This comes from fresh flowers like Kesidang, Ylang-Ylang, Damask rose, and Jasmine. These flowers are used with boiled water to make the coconut milk, giving the dessert a wonderful aroma. Cha mongkut is also easy to store and doesn't need to be kept in a refrigerator.

Why Cha Mongkut is Special

Cha mongkut is more than just a dessert; it has a deep meaning in Thai culture. It was even mentioned in a famous poem about food and desserts by King Rama II of Siam. He was a king who ruled Thailand a long time ago. The first recipe for Cha mongkut came from his wife, Queen Sri Suriyendra.

This dessert is often used in important celebrations. For example, people might eat it when someone gets a job promotion. This is because its name and look suggest high honor and great success in work. In wedding ceremonies, Cha mongkut is served to wish the couple a future filled with progress and respect. It's a sweet way to share good wishes!

The History of Cha Mongkut

The history of Cha mongkut can sometimes be a bit confusing. Some people mix it up with another dessert called dara thong or thong ek krachang. Dara thong is a round dessert that looks like a small crown, often decorated with a tiny piece of gold leaf.

However, dara thong is a much newer dessert. It was created less than a hundred years ago. It even won a Thai dessert competition when Plaek Phibunsongkhram was the prime minister of Thailand. Cha mongkut, on the other hand, has been around for over 200 years. It has been enjoyed by people since the time of King Rama II. It might even be older, but we don't have clear records to prove it. So, while they might look a little similar, Cha mongkut has a much longer and richer history!