Foi Thong
Thai Golden Threads
Foi Thong, meaning 'golden threads' in Thai, is an exquisite dessert with Portuguese origins, adapted into Thai royal cuisine. It consists of delicate strands of sweetened egg yolk, simmered in a fragrant sugar syrup, creating a beautiful and delicious treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 10 Duck egg yolks(Ensure they are fresh. Duck eggs are preferred for their richer color and texture.)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Jasmine essence or rose water(For fragrance. Jasmine water is traditional, but rose water can also be used.)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil(For greasing the piping cone.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sugar syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil and continue to simmer without stirring for about 15-20 minutes, or until the syrup reaches the 'soft ball' stage (approximately 112°C / 234°F). The syrup should be thick and slightly viscous. Stir in the jasmine essence or rose water. Reduce heat to low to keep the syrup warm but not boiling.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Prepare the egg yolks. Carefully separate the yolks from the egg whites. Gently strain the egg yolks through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl to remove any chalazae (the stringy bits that hold the yolk in place) and any membrane. This ensures a smooth texture for the threads. You can also lightly whisk them to break down the yolks, but avoid incorporating too much air.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Prepare the piping cone. Lightly grease the inside of a traditional Thai piping cone (a small metal cone with a tiny hole at the tip) with vegetable oil. This prevents the egg yolk from sticking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Form the golden threads. Hold the filled piping cone over the warm sugar syrup. Gently shake or tap the cone, allowing the egg yolk to drizzle in a thin, continuous stream into the syrup. Move the cone in a circular or swirling motion to create a web-like pattern. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the syrup.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Cook the threads. Allow the egg yolk threads to cook in the syrup for about 1-2 minutes, until they are set but still tender. They should float to the surface. Do not overcook, or they will become tough.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Gather and drain the threads. Carefully use a slotted spoon or a fork to gently lift the cooked foi thong from the syrup. Arrange them loosely on a wire rack set over a tray to drain any excess syrup. Be very gentle as they are extremely delicate.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Serve. Once drained, arrange the foi thong on a serving platter. They can be served immediately or chilled.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the sugar syrup is crucial. Too thin and the threads will disintegrate; too thick and they will be hard.
- ✓Using duck egg yolks is highly recommended for their vibrant color and richness.
- ✓Practice the drizzling technique before attempting with the actual syrup to get a feel for the motion and consistency.
- ✓This dessert requires patience and a delicate touch. It is considered a highly skilled confection.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few drops of food coloring (e.g., pandan green, rose pink) to the egg yolks for colorful threads.
- Serve alongside other Thai desserts like Khanom Chan or fresh fruits.