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During the Songkran festival, people engage in water splashing not only to wish each other good luck but also as a way to cool off in the summer heat. Besides that, they also seek refreshment through food. The sweltering summer calls for something light and refreshing. And a delicious set of Khao Chae is the perfect remedy to beat the heat.
Khao Chae is a traditional dish enjoyed during festive occasions. Photo: Anantara Siam
Khao Chae is a bowl of jasmine rice soaked in cool, floral-infused water, served with savory side dishes. At first, the taste might feel unfamiliar, but it’s incredibly easy to enjoy, and before you know it, you’ll want to try different versions of Khao Chae! More than just a dish, Khao Chae carries deep cultural significance. Join Asia King Travel in exploring this traditional Thai dish in Songkran.
Although Khao Chae is a traditional dish, it was not originally created by the Thai people. It was introduced by the Mon people from Myanmar. The dish was first presented to King Rama II but was considered a royal cuisine, not widely available to the public.
It wasn’t until the reign of King Rama V who became very fond of it, then Prince Nuang Nilarat popularized it among the people. Today, Khao Chae has become an essential part of Thai dining during Songkran.
“Khao” means rice, and “Chae” means soaked in water, so “Khao Chae” literally translates to soaked rice. It may sound simple, but in reality, this dish requires a meticulous preparation process and has strict dining etiquette.
Let’s start with how the soaked rice is made. The preferred choice is Jasmine rice due to its medium-sized grains, which are neither too soft nor too hard when soaked in water. Next, flower-scented water is prepared by steeping fresh jasmine blossoms in a half-filled pot of water.
A lit scented candle is floated on top, and the pot is loosely covered for 15 minutes. This process is repeated twice with new blossoms and a different candle scent, allowing the fragrances and natural oils to infuse the water.
Finally, generously sprinkle cooked rice with scented water, then wrap it in cheesecloth, twisting the ends tightly to prevent swelling. Secure with a knot and steam over boiling water. To serve, place the rice in a bowl, pour over more fragrant water, and add a few ice cubes and flowers.
Rice and scented water are the heart and soul of the dish. Photo: Prestige Online
Eating just rice and water would be quite bland, so it must be enjoyed with side dishes. There are many different accompaniments for Khao Chae, but here are some of the most commonly enjoyed ones:
There are dozens of side dishes that accompany Khao Chae. Photo: Luxury Society Asia
You can freely choose and mix your favorite spices. Start by eating the side dish first, then take a spoonful of rice and sip the cool infused water.
The most important rule is not to mix the side dishes with the rice in the same bowl. The strong aroma of the side dishes can overpower the delicate fragrance of the rice, which the chef has carefully prepared, and may even give the rice an unpleasant smell. Lastly, you should use separate spoons for the side dishes and the soaked rice.
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Jim Thompson Restaurant offers a Khao Chae set with seven side dishes. The meal ends on a sweet note with mango sticky rice, a perfect combination of rich, creamy sticky rice and the natural sweetness of ripe mango, making the dining experience truly complete.
For those who want to take it home, the restaurant beautifully packages all the dishes in the Jim Thompson Thai Tiffin Box (Pinto), elegantly adorned with the signature Jim Thompson silk ribbon.
Immerse yourself in the serene riverside scenery and savor the famous "Khao Chae Chao Phraya" at a waterfront restaurant. This dish is available as a set menu or à la carte, depending on your preference.
The set menu offers a delightful experience, including a welcome drink, the traditional Ma Hor appetizer, and 12 special sweet and savory condiments. Alternatively, diners can freely choose their preferred side dishes from the à la carte menu for a customized experience.
Set menu at The Siam Tea Room, overlooking Bangkok's River of King. Photo: The Siam Tea Room
At Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, you have two options to enjoy Khao Chae: ordering a full set with all its rich flavors or savoring it as part of the afternoon tea set, either as a takeaway or dine-in option at The Mandarin Oriental Shops.
Premium fragrant rice from Yasothon is soaked in floral-infused water and served with a beautifully curated set of seven delicate side dishes. For an even more refined experience, you can indulge in the Oriental Afternoon Tea Set, which features 13 sweet and savory Thai-style delicacies.
On the picturesque banks of the Chao Phraya River, Phra Nakhon restaurant at Capella Bangkok is serving Khao Chae throughout the festive season. The chef has crafted a refined version of the traditional Mon recipe, delivering the perfect refreshing taste for summer.
Guests will be treated to a lavish selection of side dishes, including crispy fried shrimp cakes, stuffed chili with minced pork, sweet char siu pork, and more. For the best experience, be sure to reserve a table and enjoy your meal by the river. The dish is available for both dine-in and takeaway, served from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
The restaurant offers Jai Yen Yen (keep your heart cool) Package. Photo: Prestige Online
Escape the scorching heat of Bangkok and retreat to the luxurious JW Marriott Bangkok, where you can enjoy the refreshing Khao Chae, a signature summer delicacy of Thailand. At Bangkok Baking Company (BBCO), guests can savor Khao Chae crafted by Chef Tang Tananton Bunnag.
The dish is accompanied by a colorful selection of side dishes: golden fried salted egg yolk, sweet caramelized pickled radish, stuffed shallots with fish, and more. Together, they create a delightful meal that awakens the palate.
You can enjoy Khao Chae dine-in or as a convenient takeaway option. Additionally, this special dish will also be featured in JW Café’s highly anticipated Sunday brunch throughout April.
The delicate aroma and refreshing taste of Khao Chae will have you hooked. If you're joining the festivities for Thai New Year, why not try this traditional Thai dish as well? Contact Asia King Travel and get ready for an exciting April ahead!
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