The much-anticipated Khao Chae season has arrived, and there’s no better place to experience this rare summer delicacy than Khao, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its meticulous attention to detail. Available only once a year, this exquisite dish features fragrant jasmine rice soaked in chilled, floral-infused water, served with nine artisanal side dishes crafted to perfection.
A Legacy of Thai Culinary Artistry
Steeped in tradition, Khao Chae is more than just a meal—it’s a time-honored Thai delicacy designed to refresh and rejuvenate during the sweltering summer months. At Khao, a Michelin one-star restaurant for five consecutive years, every element of this dish is prepared with the utmost care, from selecting the finest ingredients to perfecting each side dish’s texture and flavor.
The Heart of Khao Chae: Jasmine-Scented Rice
The foundation of this dish is premium Sao Hai rice, meticulously polished and steamed to a delicate, slightly firm texture. It is then smoked with fragrant candles before being immersed in chilled floral-scented water. This process creates a uniquely aromatic and cooling sensation, making every bite a refreshing experience.
The Nine Exquisite Side Dishes
Each side dish is crafted to complement the delicate flavors of the chilled rice, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes.
Fried shrimp paste balls are a signature component of Khao Chae, combining charcoal-grilled catfish, premium shrimp paste, and aromatic herbs, slowly cooked with coconut milk and hand-rolled to perfection. Sweet stir-fried threadfin fish is delicately pounded and stir-fried with shallots, coconut milk, and palm sugar, creating a chewy, slightly caramelized texture that pairs beautifully with the cool jasmine rice. Stuffed shallots are hollowed out and filled with a finely pounded smoked snakehead fish mixture, lightly battered, and fried to a crisp, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shallots.
Crispy shredded pork is slow-cooked, finely shredded, seasoned, and fried with crispy shallots for a rich, savory crunch. Sweet stir-fried pickled radish is simmered with palm sugar and shallots, balancing a deep, umami-packed sweetness with a slight crunch. Salted egg yolk fritters, one of Khao’s signature accompaniments, feature premium Chaiya salted egg yolks, lightly battered and fried until crisp on the outside yet creamy inside.
Stuffed banana peppers are filled with a flavorful blend of minced pork and shrimp, delicately coated in egg batter, and fried to a golden crisp. Maa Ouan, a rare Thai classic, is made with salted mackerel, minced pork, coconut cream, and egg, steamed in small cups and topped with sweet crab meat. Crispy leaf fish, this year’s exclusive addition, features lightly battered and fried gourami fish, offering a delicate crunch with subtle saltiness that enhances the dish’s aromatic jasmine notes.
Essential Accompaniments
A selection of fresh cucumber, fingerroot, and green mango is served alongside to amplify the flavors of each side dish.
How to Enjoy Khao Chae
To fully appreciate the delicate flavors, refrain from adding the side dishes directly into the rice. This preserves the aromatic floral essence and the subtle smokiness from the candle-infused water.
Exclusive Seasonal Offering
Available only until May 31, Khao Chae at Khao is a must-try for those seeking an authentic and refined taste of Thailand’s culinary heritage. The dine-in experience is carefully curated for two guests, while the takeaway set is elegantly packaged, ideal for gifting or indulgence at home.
Visit Khao for the Ultimate Khao Chae Experience
Now available at Khao Ekkamai and Khao Wireless Road, this limited-time offering showcases the pinnacle of Thai fine dining.
For reservations, visit khaorestaurants.com or contact Khao Ekkamai at 098 829 8878, and Khao Wireless Road at 087 907 7777 or 097 907 7777. Connect via Line: @khao for updates.
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