The traditional set called the nine auspicious Thai desserts consists of nine desserts.
These sweets are served at significant occasions such as weddings, housewarmings, and ordinations. Their auspiciousness comes largely from wordplay: many names contain thong, the Thai word for “gold,” linking them with prosperity, success, and lasting good fortune.
The group includes thong yip, thong yot, foi thong, thong ek, met khanun, dara thong, khanom sane chan, khanom chan, and thuai fu. They differ in texture and appearance, ranging from egg-yolk sweets cooked in syrup to layered coconut desserts.
The number nine is itself considered fortunate in Thai culture because the Thai word for nine, kao, sounds like a word associated with progress or moving forward. That is why khanom chan is often arranged in nine layers, while the complete ceremonial collection is presented as a set of nine distinct sweets.