Rice Dishes

Northern Thai purple/black glutinous rice, a nutritious and visually striking rice dish that turns deep purple when cooked. Khao Kam, also known as khao niao dam (black sticky rice), is a cherished staple in Northern Thailand, particularly in Nan and Chiang Mai provinces. This whole grain glutinous rice is rich in antioxidants and has been used in traditional ceremonies and festivals. When steamed in the authentic Northern Thai manner, the black rice releases a gorgeous purple hue and develops a subtly nutty, sweet flavor with a pleasantly chewy texture.

Khao Niaw, or Thai sticky rice, is a fundamental staple of Isan (Northeast) and Northern Thai cuisine. This glutinous rice is soaked for several hours, then steamed in a traditional bamboo basket until it becomes soft, sticky, and translucent. Unlike jasmine rice cooked in water, sticky rice must be steamed to achieve its characteristic chewy, cohesive texture. Traditionally served in a woven bamboo container called a 'kratip,' sticky rice is eaten by hand, rolled into small balls and used to scoop up grilled meats, spicy salads, and dipping sauces. It's the perfect accompaniment to dishes like som tam, larb, and grilled chicken, and is an essential part of daily life in Northeastern and Northern Thailand.

Khao Pad is Thailand's quintessential fried rice dish, found everywhere from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. This aromatic stir-fried rice features day-old jasmine rice tossed with eggs, garlic, and your choice of protein, seasoned with fish sauce and soy sauce. What distinguishes Thai fried rice from other Asian varieties is its bright, fresh finish - served with lime wedges for acidity, fresh cilantro and green onions for herbaceous notes, and the essential condiment prik nam pla (chilies in fish sauce) on the side. The result is a harmonious balance of salty, savory, and fresh flavors with the distinctive fragrance of jasmine rice.

Khao Pad Krapao is an explosive fusion of two beloved Thai dishes - combining the comfort of fried rice with the bold, peppery punch of holy basil stir-fry. This spicy fried rice features jasmine rice stir-fried with minced meat, fiery chilies, garlic, and abundant holy basil leaves, all seasoned with Thai sauces. Often topped with a crispy fried egg with a runny yolk, it's a popular lunch choice throughout Thailand, especially for those seeking an extra kick of heat and the distinctive flavor of holy basil in their fried rice.

Thai crab fried rice featuring delicate sweet crab meat stir-fried with fragrant jasmine rice, eggs, and aromatic herbs. A beloved dish found everywhere in Thailand from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Khao Pad Poo showcases the perfect balance of umami flavors from fish sauce and the natural sweetness of fresh crab meat.

Khao Suay, meaning 'beautiful rice,' is the foundation of Thai cuisine - perfectly steamed fragrant jasmine rice that accompanies nearly every Thai meal. This seemingly simple dish is an art form in Thailand, where the quality of rice and cooking technique are taken seriously. Thai jasmine rice (Hom Mali) is prized for its natural floral aroma, soft texture, and slightly sticky consistency when cooked. The rice grains should be separate yet tender, with a subtle sweetness and fragrance that enhances rather than overpowers accompanying dishes. While considered a basic staple, properly prepared khao suay demonstrates respect for ingredients and culinary tradition.

Shrimp paste fried rice with sweet pork and various toppings. This traditional Central Thai dish features jasmine rice stir-fried with fermented shrimp paste (kapi) and served with an array of colorful accompaniments including caramelized sweet pork, fried dried shrimp, green mango, omelet strips, fresh vegetables, and lime. It's a perfect example of Thai cuisine's balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors all mixed together on one plate.

Khao Man Gai is a beloved Thai street food dish featuring tender poached chicken served over fragrant jasmine rice cooked in rich chicken broth and aromatic chicken fat. This Hainanese-style chicken rice is accompanied by a spicy-savory fermented soybean dipping sauce, clear chicken soup, and fresh cucumber slices. The rice is infused with fried garlic and ginger, creating a perfectly seasoned base for the succulent chicken. Despite its Chinese origins, this dish has become a quintessential part of Thai cuisine and is found at street stalls throughout Thailand.

A vibrant and aromatic Thai fried rice dish that perfectly balances sweet pineapple chunks with savory seasonings. Traditionally served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell, this colorful dish combines jasmine rice with fresh shrimp, crunchy cashews, sweet raisins, and aromatic curry powder, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that showcases Thailand's abundant pineapple harvest.

Khao Kha Moo is a beloved Thai street food classic featuring tender pork leg that has been slow-braised for hours in an aromatic blend of five-spice powder, star anise, cinnamon, and soy sauce until the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with sweet-savory flavors. Served over fragrant jasmine rice with hard-boiled eggs braised in the same flavorful broth, pickled mustard greens for tang, and blanched Chinese broccoli or other greens, this comforting dish is especially popular among children and families for its mild, non-spicy flavor profile. The influence of Chinese cuisine is evident in the use of five-spice powder and braising technique, which Thai cooks have elevated with their own herbs and seasonings including coriander root, palm sugar, and Thai soy sauces.

Thai Muslim-style chicken biryani featuring tender marinated chicken pieces layered with aromatic jasmine rice infused with turmeric, cardamom, and warm spices. This beloved one-pot dish showcases the beautiful culinary marriage between South Asian and Thai Muslim traditions, where Persian biryani techniques meet Southern Thai flavors. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and fragrant spices, then cooked together with rice to create a golden, fragrant dish topped with crispy fried shallots and served with fresh cucumber and a distinctive mint-cilantro dipping sauce.

A beloved Thai-Chinese street food dish featuring tender slices of red barbecued pork (char siu) served over fragrant jasmine rice, topped with a sweet-savory gravy studded with toasted sesame seeds. This dish combines Chinese BBQ techniques with Thai flavors, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and umami tastes. Typically served with sliced cucumber, a halved boiled egg, and Chinese sausage, it's a complete one-plate meal that's popular throughout Thailand.

Crispy pork belly served over fragrant jasmine rice with a sweet and savory sauce. This beloved Thai street food features perfectly fried pork belly with a golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The dish is typically accompanied by cucumber slices, cilantro, and a rich, slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce and sugar. A staple at Thai street food stalls, this comforting one-dish meal combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked pork belly with the subtle fragrance of steamed rice.

A beloved Thai-Chinese fusion dish featuring succulent slices of Chinese-style roasted duck glazed with aromatic five-spice and dark soy sauce, served over steamed jasmine rice and topped with a savory-sweet gravy made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rich duck drippings. This simple yet deeply satisfying one-plate meal is found throughout Thailand's markets and food courts, often alongside other Chinese-influenced rice dishes like Khao Man Gai and Khao Moo Daeng.