Oh Aew
โอ้เอ๋ว
Oh Aew is Phuket's most beloved traditional dessert, a refreshing shaved ice treat that perfectly captures the essence of Southern Thai sweets. This colorful dessert features delicate jelly cubes made from banana flour (or sometimes rice flour), creating a unique chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the fine shaved ice. The jellies are traditionally dyed in vibrant colors - red, green, and yellow - making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Topped with sweet syrup and creamy coconut milk, Oh Aew offers a perfect balance of textures and a gentle sweetness that's never overwhelming. It's the ultimate cooling dessert for Phuket's tropical climate, often enjoyed at local markets or beachside stalls where the rhythmic sound of ice being shaved adds to the authentic experience.
Ingredients
Banana Flour Jelly
The signature component - creates chewy, translucent cubes with a subtle banana flavor
Substitutes: Rice flour jelly, Tapioca starch jelly, Agar jelly (different texture)
Shaved Ice
Provides the cooling element and fluffy texture
Substitutes: Crushed ice (less fluffy), Ice cream (modern variation)
Palm Sugar Syrup
Adds caramel-like sweetness that complements the coconut
Substitutes: Simple syrup, Coconut sugar syrup, Honey (different flavor)
Coconut Milk
Adds richness and creamy texture
Substitutes: Coconut cream (richer), Evaporated milk (less traditional), Condensed milk (sweeter)
Cooking Method
Technique
Boiling and setting jelly, then assembling with shaved ice
Overview
Making Oh Aew requires patience for the jelly-making process. The banana flour is mixed with water and food coloring, then slowly cooked while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once thickened, it's poured into trays and left to set. The magic happens during assembly - the jellies are cut into small cubes and layered with freshly shaved ice.
Cooking Tips
- Stir the flour mixture constantly to prevent lumps
- Use natural food coloring from pandan or butterfly pea flowers
- Let jelly cool completely before cutting for clean edges
- Shave ice just before serving for best texture
- Drizzle syrup evenly for consistent sweetness
Cultural Significance
Origin Story
Oh Aew originated in Phuket over a century ago, brought by Hokkien Chinese immigrants who adapted their traditional desserts to local ingredients. The name 'Oh Aew' comes from the Hokkien dialect, reflecting Phuket's unique Peranakan heritage.
Cultural Importance
This dessert represents Phuket's multicultural identity, blending Chinese dessert-making techniques with Thai ingredients. It's a symbol of the island's Baba-Nyonya culture and remains a must-try for visitors wanting to taste authentic Phuket cuisine beyond the tourist areas.
Traditional Occasions
Variations
Oh Aew Boran (Traditional)
Made with only red and green jellies, using traditional banana flour
Rainbow Oh Aew
Modern version with multiple colored jellies for Instagram appeal
Oh Aew Nam Kathi
Extra rich version with coconut cream instead of milk
Oh Aew Bingsu
Fusion style with Korean shaved ice techniques and toppings
Quick Info
Where to Find
Best Restaurants
- • Phuket Old Town markets
- • Lock Tien Food Court
- • Chillva Market
- • Weekend Walking Street
Street Food Areas
- • Ranong Road fresh market
- • Dowroong School area
- • Local neighborhood dessert carts
Price Ranges
Nutritional Info
150-200 calories
- • Low in fat
- • Provides quick energy from natural sugars
- • Coconut milk contains beneficial MCTs
- • Hydrating in hot weather
