Scoops of Heaven

From coconut shells to hot-dog buns, i-tim is the sweetest way to stay cool in Thailand

Words: Sarita Urupongsa

Photo: Shutterstock

Coconut, in any form, is often your best cooling option on a hot day in Thailand – but few things are as instantly uplifting as a scoopy of rich coconut ice cream,  or “i-tim” as it is known locally. This subtly sweet, luxuriously creamy, non-dairy treat cools the body and lifts the spirits in one blissful mouthful.

Usually sold from mobile street carts, i-tim comes in generous portions. Expect big scoops piled high in paper cups or crisp cones. Some vendors also serve it in a hollowed out coconut shell or tucked inside a soft, plain hot dog bun, offering a pleasant chewy contrast to the cold creaminess.

No i-tim is complete without the toppings, which provide a delicious contrast in flavour and texture. Stalls typically offer a colourful spread, ranging from sweetcorn, sticky rice and shredded jackfruit to cndied pumpkin, coconut jelly, red beans and young coconut flesh. A sprinkle of freshly roasted peanuts tops off your creation with a satisfying crunch.

The beauty of i-tim lies in its simplicity. Fresh coconut milk, corn flour and a touch of vanilla are churned together with just enough sugar and salt to enhance the flavour. The mixture is gently simmered until thickended, then colled, frozen and churned before returning to the freezer to achieve its signature smoothness. For a playful twist, some vendors fold in local favourites like Lot Chong Bai Toey (pandan-flavoured noodles) or Thapthim Krop (crunchy water chestnuts coated in tapioca flour).

Often overlooked by tourists yet deeply comforting, i-tim remains one of Thailand’s most beloved ways to beat the heat – one spoonful at a time.