From a Small Home in Rural Thailand: Chanmon’s Authentic Thai Culinary Scroll – Issan Breezes with Mango in Hand! Indulge Like a Princess! Pink Jewel: “Tub Tim Grob” （Water Chestnut in Coconut Milk） Option 2 （Slightly more descriptive and focused on the “culinary scroll” idea） From a Little Country Home in Thailand: Chanmon Presents an Authentic Thai Culinary Scroll – The Breeze of Isaan with Mango in Hand! Feel Like a Princess with the Pink Jewel: “Tub Tim Grob” （Ruby Water Chestnuts）!
“Is this… edible jewelry?” That’s exactly what I thought when I first saw *Tubtim Grob*. Glossy, bouncy, and absolutely adorable—cold, sweet, and soaked in rich coconut milk. The moment I took a bite, I almost thought, “I’m so glad I was born in Thailand” （Well, I’m Japanese, but you get the point!）
So, What Is Tubtim Grob?
In Thai, “ทับทิมกรอบ” （Tubtim Grob） literally means “crispy ruby.” Despite the name, there’s no real pomegranate in it! The “rubies” are actually *water chestnuts* coated in tapioca flour and dyed a bright red to look like gems. These chewy gems are then served chilled in sweet coconut milk—a perfect dessert for the hot Thai climate.
Because of their shiny red look, they’re nicknamed “Tubtim" （pomegranate）. Isn’t that romantic?
A Street Food Favorite
You’ll spot Tubtim Grob often at Thai street markets. They usually float in big ice tubs, sparkling like tropical treasures. Ask the vendor, “หนึ่งถุงเท่าไหร่คะ?（Nueng Toong Tao-rai Ka?）” — “How much for a bag?” It’s usually around 20–30 baht. Buy a cup and enjoy it right there on the spot.
But in Japan? It’s pretty rare. So why not make it yourself?
🍧 Make Tubtim Grob at Home! 🍧
Ingredients （Serves 2–3）
A. For the “Rubies”
1 can water chestnuts （about 150g）
A few drops of red food coloring （or beet powder）
Tapioca flour （or potato starch） — as needed
B. For the Coconut Soup
200ml coconut milk
2–3 tbsp sugar （adjust to taste）
A pinch of salt
C. For Serving
Crushed ice — plenty
Optional: Jasmine water or Pandan-scented water — a few drops
Instructions
① Dice the water chestnuts
Cut them into 1cm cubes—makes them look like real pomegranate seeds! Drain and place in a bowl.
② Color them red
Dissolve food coloring in a bit of water and soak the water chestnuts for about 10 minutes until vibrant red.
③ Coat with flour
Spread the tapioca flour in a tray and roll the red water chestnuts in it until evenly coated.
（Tip: Double-coating makes them extra bouncy!）
④ Boil
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the coated water chestnuts.
Once they float, boil for another 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water.
⑤ Make the coconut soup
In a pot, gently heat the coconut milk with sugar and salt. Adjust sweetness as you like. Chill it for the best taste.
⑥ Assemble!
In a bowl, add crushed ice, top with the “rubies,” and pour in the coconut soup.
Add a few drops of jasmine or pandan water for an authentic Thai aroma!
The Sweet That Calms the Heart
Tubtim Grob isn’t just sweet—it soothes the soul. In Thailand, it’s a traditional way to cool down and feel peaceful. Maybe it’s the childhood memories: a cold dessert lovingly made by Mom, or the smiling vendor scooping it into a cup on a scorching day. It’s a taste full of nostalgia and Thai warmth.
Bonus: Try These Variations!
– Make green “Emerald Grob” using pandan juice instead of red coloring – Swap coconut milk for almond milk or regular milk – Add boiled taro or nata de coco for extra fun!
One Last Thought
Tubtim Grob is the perfect sweet for a hot afternoon. It’s cute to look at, light on the tongue, and completely addictive. And now that you can make it at home, it’s like having your own Thai street stall right in your kitchen!
Try making this sparkling “edible jewel” and feel like a tropical princess for a day 💎
🍧 [From a Rural Thai Village – A Chilled Dessert Letter]
I fell in love at first sight with this sparkling sweet at a Thai food stall. Ruby red, jiggly, and swimming in rich coconut milk—what a blissful treat. Even if you can’t come to Thailand, you can still make it at home. ✨ The recipe’s included, so go ahead and treat yourself like royalty!
#ThaiDessert #TubtimGrob #EdibleJewels #RuralThailandLife #CoconutLover #SummerTreats #PomegranateJelly #TasteOfThailandAtHome