The first bite into a Thai Fried Banana brings an irresistible crunch, followed by soft, warm banana sweetness with hints of coconut and sesame. This popular Thai street food snack is incredibly simple yet deeply satisfying — a perfect fusion of texture and tropical flavor.
These banana fritters are quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. Serve them as a cozy evening snack, a unique party treat, or a post-meal dessert. Whether you’re missing the streets of Bangkok or simply craving something sweet and crispy, this dish delivers a little piece of Thailand to your plate in just 20 minutes.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 ripe Thai bananas (or regular small bananas, slightly underripe)
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1 cup rice flour
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar (preferably coconut sugar)
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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3/4 cup cold water
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Vegetable oil for deep frying
Directions:
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Peel the bananas and slice each in half lengthwise. If the bananas are large, you can also cut them into quarters.
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In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
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Gradually add cold water while stirring until you get a thick but pourable batter.
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Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
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Dip each banana piece into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
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Carefully place the coated bananas into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bananas and drain on paper towels.
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Serve warm for the crispiest texture, optionally dusted with a little extra coconut sugar.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Beloved Street Food from Thailand
Thai Fried Bananas, also known locally as Kluay Tod (กล้วยทอด), are one of the most beloved snacks found in the bustling street food markets of Thailand. Vendors across the country serve these crispy, golden banana fritters from roadside carts, enticing passersby with the sweet aroma of bananas sizzling in hot oil and the nutty scent of coconut and sesame.
This dish has stood the test of time due to its simplicity, affordability, and irresistible taste. Made with just a handful of ingredients, Thai Fried Bananas showcase the country’s flair for transforming humble produce into something exceptional. While often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, they can also be paired with ice cream or sweet sauces for a more elaborate presentation.
A Cultural Favorite with Roots in Tradition
Thai Fried Bananas are more than just a treat; they’re a small piece of cultural heritage. The recipe draws influence from centuries of Thai culinary tradition that emphasizes using local produce like bananas, coconut, and sesame seeds. Street vendors and home cooks alike have passed this recipe down through generations, often with slight variations based on regional preferences.
In southern Thailand, for example, shredded coconut is commonly added to the batter, giving the fritters an extra dimension of flavor and texture. In northern regions, vendors might use different types of bananas like kluay nam wah—shorter, firmer bananas that hold their shape well during frying. Regardless of the version, Thai Fried Bananas remain a cherished part of everyday life, especially during festivals and temple fairs.
What Makes Thai Fried Bananas Unique?
Unlike Western-style banana fritters, which are sometimes overly sweet or heavy, Thai Fried Bananas strike a delicate balance between flavor and texture. The batter is usually light and airy, made from a combination of rice flour and wheat flour to achieve the perfect crispiness. A touch of baking soda enhances the crunch, while sesame seeds and shredded coconut introduce a savory depth and chew.
Another standout feature is the type of banana used. Thai bananas are typically smaller and firmer than the Cavendish variety common in the West. This firmness allows them to hold their shape during frying, resulting in a finished product that’s crispy on the outside and meltingly tender on the inside without being mushy.
Texture, Flavor, and Aroma: A Multi-Sensory Experience
When you bite into a Thai Fried Banana, you experience multiple layers of flavor and texture. The initial crunch of the golden crust gives way to the soft, warm banana center. Notes of caramelized sugar and roasted sesame play off the slight tang of ripe banana, creating a harmony that’s sweet but not cloying.
The aroma is just as inviting—warm, nutty, and tropical. As the fritters cook, the kitchen fills with the scent of coconut and banana, an olfactory experience that’s both nostalgic and comforting for those familiar with Southeast Asian cuisine.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Though traditionally enjoyed on their own, Thai Fried Bananas are highly versatile. They pair beautifully with vanilla or coconut ice cream, which adds a cooling contrast to the warm fritters. A drizzle of honey or condensed milk can elevate the dessert even further, making it suitable for special occasions or more upscale dining experiences.
For a more traditional Thai twist, serve them with a dusting of powdered coconut sugar or a side of sticky rice. They also go well with Thai tea or coffee, making them a perfect midday snack.
Health and Dietary Considerations
While fried foods aren’t typically associated with health, Thai Fried Bananas offer a few redeeming qualities. The use of rice flour and coconut makes this recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities. Bananas themselves are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
For those watching their sugar intake, the amount of added sugar in the batter can be adjusted or even omitted depending on the sweetness of the bananas used. The fritters are also naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based oil and avoiding dairy accompaniments.
To reduce the oil content, you can opt to fry them in a shallower pan with minimal oil or even use an air fryer, though traditional deep-frying yields the crispiest results.
Tips for Perfect Thai Fried Bananas at Home
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Choose the right bananas: Slightly underripe bananas are best, as they hold their shape and aren’t too mushy when cooked. Thai varieties like kluay nam wah are ideal, but baby bananas or small Cavendish types can also work.
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Maintain oil temperature: Keep your frying oil around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly; too cool, and the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain consistent temperature and prevent the fritters from sticking together.
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Serve immediately: These banana fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to prepare them ahead, you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain some of the crispiness.
Regional Variations Across Southeast Asia
While Thailand has its own signature take on fried bananas, variations of this dish exist across Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, maruya are similar banana fritters made with sliced bananas dipped in batter and fried. Indonesia has pisang goreng, which may use a spiced batter or even add a sprinkle of cheese.
The use of shredded coconut and sesame seeds, however, is a hallmark of the Thai version and gives it a distinct identity. This subtle blend of sweet and savory ingredients reflects Thai cuisine’s broader philosophy of balancing flavors—sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and bitter—in a single dish.
Why Thai Fried Bananas Continue to Captivate Food Lovers
There’s something deeply comforting about Thai Fried Bananas. They’re humble yet indulgent, simple yet flavorful. In an age where food trends come and go quickly, this dish remains a favorite among both locals and travelers.
Its appeal lies in its authenticity and adaptability. Whether you’re wandering through a street market in Chiang Mai or making them from scratch in your kitchen, the experience of enjoying Thai Fried Bananas is always rewarding. It brings people together—children, adults, travelers, and locals alike—united by the simple joy of a warm, crispy, sweet banana fritter.
Conclusion: A Taste of Thailand in Every Bite
Thai Fried Bananas are more than just a recipe—they’re a gateway to the vibrant culture and culinary tradition of Thailand. This dish embodies everything that makes Thai cuisine special: creativity, balance, and the ability to turn humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just beginning your culinary journey, making Thai Fried Bananas at home is a delicious way to explore Thai street food. With a golden crust, sweet tender center, and irresistible aroma, this classic snack will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
From the first sizzling sound in the oil to the final crunchy bite, Thai Fried Bananas deliver comfort, flavor, and a touch of tropical charm that never goes out of style.