Summer calls for a refreshing treat. For many, a good khao chae when in Bangkok will soothe all your problems away. Here’s where to find them.
Khao chae divides the room for obvious reasons. It consists of soaked, cool rice with jasmine water, which to many may sound bizarre at first. However, the dish has deep historical roots, initially as part of the cuisine of Mon people, and later gaining popularity in the Thai palace during the reign of King Rama V. Thus, khao chae comes to Bangkok.
The modern rendition of khao chae in present days stars white rice soaked in infused cool water, accompanied by a number of side dishes and a basket of Thai herbs.
It is easy to enjoy, as diners can pick and mix their condiments as they like. A crucial tip is to refrain from putting the side dishes into the rice water, as it will dilute the floral and candle-smoked aroma that the chefs work so hard to achieve. Despite its royal association, khao chae is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. Here’s where to find the best khao chae in Bangkok this summer 2024.
[Hero image credit: InterContinental Bangkok; featured image credit: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park]
Freshen up with these traditional khao chae sets in Bangkok this Summer
Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant
The famed Khao Chae Jim Thompson is served amid an elegant and serene ambience. The set includes seven side dishes on top of the candle-smoked, jasmine-scented khao chae from Chiang Rai. The meal ends on a sweet note with a delightful Mango Sticky Rice. If you’d like it for takeaway, the delicacies will be contained in a beautiful Thai tiffin inside of a canvas bag.
Khao Chae is served until May 12, 2024 for dine-in and takeaway.
The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique The Riverfront
The riverside venue presents its Khao Chae Chao Phraya which can be served as a set or a la carte. The set menus include a welcome drink, Ma Hor as an appetiser, and 12 selections of savoury and sweet condiments. Alternatively, enjoy the side dishes your own way with the a la carte experience.
Khao Chae Chao Phraya is served until May 31, 2024.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Guests have two choices to enjoy khao chae here at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok; indulging in the full set on its own or in a smaller portion as part of the afternoon tea set. The jasmine rice from Yasothorn is soaked in flower-infused water, which is accompanied by seven delicate condiments. These include stuffed long green bell peppers, deep-fried battered salted eggs, stuffed shallots with grilled river fish, fried shrimp paste, and more. On the other hand, this age-old menu is also incorporated in the Oriental Afternoon Tea set with 13 other Thai savouries and sweets.
Khao Chae is available at The Mandarin Oriental Shops for takeaway and dine-in. The Oriental Afternoon Tea is served at The Authors’ Lounge until May 15, 2024.
Capella Bangkok
The beautiful riverfront dining venue Phra Nakhon at Capella Bangkok is serving up their signature khao chae throughout April. Chef de Cuisine Kannika Jitsangworn has prepared a recipe adapted from the Mon tribe that’s refreshingly perfect for the summer. Expect hearty sides including deep-fried shrimp paste balls, stuffed chilli pepper with minced pork, sweet shredded pork, and more. Be sure to book a table and dine in with the view of Chao Phraya river for the best experience.
Khao Chae is available at Phra Nakhon for takeaway and dine-in, available throughout April, 12-4pm.
JW Marriott Bangkok
JW Marriott Bangkok’s comfy coffee house Bangkok Baking Company (BBCO) is offering their own khao chae and a whole lot of heartwarming condiments to enjoy. Chef Ploy Pornticha Jansavang’s candle-scented steamed Jasmine rice soaked in scented water will even impress the Buddha himself. Condiments include fried salted egg yolk, caramelised pickled turnips, shallot stuffed fish, and more. Every set is served alongside butterfly pea flower tea with lime, and sohm choon (traditional Thai dessert made from sweet-and-sour fruits in aromatic syrup).
The Khao Chae is served at BBCO both for takeaway and dine-in, as well as at JW Cafe as part of Sunday brunch throughout April. Available as part of lunch buffet at JW Cafe from 12-15 April.
InterContinental Bangkok
The Balcony Lounge serves the chilled delicacy throughout April. All the classic condiments are served here whether stuffed shallots with fish, shredded sweetened pork, or deep-fried shrimp paste ball.
Khao Chae set is served at The Balcony Lounge between April 1-30, 2024 from 11am-5pm.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
The khao chae set at The Siam Tea Room is a complete feast with extensive selections of accompaniments. The fried herbal fish and shrimp paste are the stars of the set, while the stuffed green pepper is beautifully seasoned. Eight more side dishes are included, from the likes of shredded sun-dried ray fish to sweetened shredded pork. Takeaway orders are packed in a traditional Thai basket.
Khao Chae set is served at The Siam Tea Room for dine-in and takeaway until May 31, 2024 from 11.30am-5pm.
The Athenee Hotel
Khao chae at The House of Smooth Curry follows the ancient royal recipe, which requires an overnight soak of the rice. The scented rice is then served with eight delicate condiments like shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed sweet peppers, fried minced pork with salted fish, and a lot more. This seasonal dish also ends with a seasonal dessert, the refreshing Mayongchid Loy Kaew.
Khao Chae is served at The House of Smooth Curry for dine-in and takeaway until April 30, 2024 from 11.30am-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm.
Banyan Tree
The full set of khao chae served at Romsai and Saffron restaurant is filled with the traditional sweet and savoury side dishes. Find the shredded pork jerky, sweet radish, stuffed shallots, and stuffed bell pepper alongside the refreshing soaked rice. The meal ends with a pandan ice cream and Tab Tim Krob, a cooling Thai dessert of water chestnuts in coconut milk.
Khao Chae is served at Romsai and Saffron restaurant for dine-in and takeaway from April 7-30, 2024.
Anantara Siam Bangkok
The royal dish is crafted with traditional cooking techniques at Spice Market. The Khao Chae set comes with a wide range of condiments, from spicy shrimp paste balls to pork-stuffed peppers. Spice Market aims to transport diners back in time, so that all of us could dine like the royals, amid a vibrant ambience.
Khao Chae is served at Spice Market until April 30, 2024 from 12pm-2.30pm.
Royal Osha
Chef Vichit presents his finely crafted version of the royal delicacy with seven condiments to be eaten with Sao Hai white rice. The rice is soaked in flower-infused water overnight, resulting in a beautifully scented khao chae. Enjoy the set with two additional Thai appetisers, and conclude the meal with the summer’s special dessert, Mayongchid Loy Kaew.
Khao Chae is available for dine-in and takeaway until May 30, 2024.
Saneh Jaan
The one-Michelin-starred Thai restaurant serves Siamese Heritage Khao Chae with an extensive list of 11 condiments. The recipes are exclusive to Saneh Jaan, which boast all the classics like fried shrimp paste, stuffed bell peppers, and fried battered yolk.
Khao Chae is available for dine-in and takeaway until May 14, 2024 from 11.30am-2pm and 5pm-10pm.
This story first appeared on Prestige Online Thailand.
In spite of her name, Paint can't really paint or even draw. Life, for her, is a journey in search of good chocolates, fries, chicken wings, and the implication behind her fat cats' split personalities.
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