Khanom chan is fragrant, subtly sweet, and slightly oily from the addition of the coconut milk; its texture is smooth yet sticky.

The dessert has its origins in the Sukhothai Period, when foreign trade with China and India contributed to cultural exchanges, including that of food.

As a result, the food was developed from ingredients that came from many nations and was adapted to suit the living conditions of local people.

Because of its positive connotations, khanom chan is often used in sacred ceremonies such as in home philanthropy or weddings; with nine layers or more the snack is believed to bring happiness and progress for both the maker and eater.

Because of this belief, some areas of Thailand have given the dessert other names to make it more prosperous, such as khanom chan farh (Thai: ขนมชั้นฟ้า).