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“Khao Chae: A Traditional Thai Dish of Palace Style for the Hot Season”

“Khao Chae” is a traditional Thai dish that has been immensely popular during the hot season. Its fragrant, refreshing, and cooling qualities make it an excellent choice for cooling down and satisfying hunger simultaneously. Even though it has been a go-to dish since ancient times, it remains popular today. Therefore, in this article, Royal Osha will introduce you to the origins and history of “Khao Chae,” its accompaniments, and the correct way to enjoy this traditional Thai dish. We’ll also recommend the Royal Osha Menu, meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of leading Thai chefs, for those who appreciate authentic Khao Chae or fine dining Thai cuisine. Join us for an immersive culinary experience like no other, exploring the authentic flavors of traditional Thai Khao Chae and the finest Thai fine dining cuisine.

1. The Origin of ‘Khao Chae’: A Traditional Thai Dish to Cool Off from Mon People

Khao Chae

“Khao Chae” refers to cooked rice soaked in scented water infused with Thai jasmine flowers. It is typically served with side dishes and condiments to enhance its flavor, freshness, and roundness. This dish has been a popular choice for cooling down since ancient times, continuing to be favored today. The origins of Khao Chae can be traced back to the influence of Mon people during the reign of King Rama III. Initially used for royal ceremonies and offerings to deities during Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, Khao Chae gained popularity among the general populace from March to May, the hot season and coinciding with Songkran festivities. In Mon language, Khao Chae is called “Peng Daak,” where “Peng” means rice and “Daak” means water. Initially, commoners were not allowed to consume Khao Chae as it was considered a royal dish, reserved only for royals or aristocrats. However, during the reign of King Rama IV, Queen Sri Suriyendra, also known as Chom Manda Jong, introduced Khao Chae to the royal court as a tribute. This marked the beginning of its popularity among the nobility, eventually spreading to the general public. Later, during the reign of King Rama V, the noblewoman Nuan Nilrat, who served in the royal court, further popularized Khao Chae by sharing the recipe beyond the palace walls. This transitioned Khao Chae from a royal delicacy to a beloved dish enjoyed by all, continuing its popularity to the present day.

2. Side dishes of Khao Chae and the correct way to enjoy this delicacy

When enjoying Khao Chae, it’s essential to pair it with side dishes and condiments to experience its delicious, refreshing, and aromatic flavors in the traditional Thai style. The side dishes for Khao Chae offer a variety of options, typically comprising both savory and sweet choices, usually around 6-7 items, including:

  • Luk Ka Pi” (Shrimp paste balls)
  • Moo Foi” (Fried shredded pork)
  • Hom Daeng Sod Sai” (Stuffed shallots)
  • Prik Yuak Sod Sai” (Stuffed bell peppers)
  • Chai-Poew Pad Waan” (Stir-fried sweet preserved radish)
  • Luk Kai Kem” (Salted egg yolk)

Additionally, there might be other side dishes or condiments depending on the recipe, often accompanied by vegetables and carved fruits such as sour mangoes, cucumbers, chilli peppers, spring onion, finger root flower, or jicama.

To properly enjoy Khao Chae, there are specific steps to follow, allowing diners to experience the authentic taste of traditional Thai cuisine. The correct way to eat Khao Chae is as follows:

  1. Start by enjoying the savory side dishes, such as shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed bell peppers, or salted eggs.
  2. Alternate between the side dishes and Khao Chae. This allows the flavors of the side dishes to blend harmoniously with the refreshing taste of Khao Chae, enhancing the overall experience.
  3. After cleansing your palate with the savory side dishes, proceed to enjoy the sweet side dishes, such as shredded pork or sweet stir-fried preserved radish. Once done, you can continue enjoying Khao Chae.
  4. Finally, after enjoying both the savory and sweet side dishes alongside Khao Chae, you can complement your meal with additional condiments such as vegetables or fruits to refresh your palate and complete the dining experience.

It’s important not to mix the side dishes directly into the Khao Chae, as this can dilute the authentic flavors of both the dish and the side dishes. This ensures that each component retains its unique taste, allowing diners to fully appreciate the flavors of Khao Chae and its accompanying side dishes.

3. Why is Royal Osha’s traditional Khao Chae so popular among food enthusiasts?

Khao Chae

For the Khao Chae, Royal Osha’s signature dish, it’s considered a staple that both Thai and international diners are familiar with. This dish has been meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Wichit Mukura, a leading figure in Thai cuisine with over 40 years of experience. The process involves soaking premium jasmine rice in Thai flower-infused water, using mineral water with a pH of 8.8 overnight to extract the essence of the flowers. This results in a fragrant aroma reminiscent of jasmine and pandan leaves, complementing the seven traditional side dishes meticulously prepared according to Royal Osha’s recipe. These side dishes are rich in flavor and exhibit the authentic taste of traditional Thai Khao Chae, with a unique touch that defines Royal Osha’s culinary identity. The 7 side dishes of Royal Osha’s traditional royal soaked rice are as follows:

  • Shrimp paste balls
  • Stuffed shallots with dried fish
  • Stuffed bell peppers with minced pork and shrimp
  • Fried salted egg yolk
  • Stir-fried shredded pork with tamarind chili sauce
  • Sweet stir-fried black stingray
  • Stir-fried sweet preserved radish

 

In every side dish, the ingredients are carefully selected and meticulously prepared to ensure quality, freshness, and safety. They are served alongside finely carved vegetables and fruits, such as carved finger root, rolled spring onions, sour mango, and carved cucumber, enhancing the flavor and presentation of the Khao Chae

in the traditional Thai style. With its unique aroma, delicious taste, freshness, and well-rounded flavors following the authentic Thai Khao Chae recipe, it’s no wonder that both Thai and international diners eagerly anticipate the return of this dish year after year.

 

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4. Royal Osha’s Authentic Khao Chae: Tailored to Your Taste!

The Royal Osha’s signature Khao Chae offers diners two options for enjoying it: Dine-in at the restaurant or opt for the Set Take Away for enjoying at home or purchasing as gifts. This allows diners to choose their preferred dining experience according to their convenience. Below are the details of each option for enjoying the Khao Chae:

  • Dine in: This option includes a serving of Khao Chae with 7 side dishes, 2 appetizers, and a dessert suitable for one person. The price is 1,250 baht per set.
  • Take Away: This option includes a serving of Khao Chae with 7 side dishes suitable for two people. The price is 2,250 baht per set. It comes packaged in a luxurious red premium box and includes a voucher for enjoying daily desserts in the restaurant. This option is suitable for buying as a gift or souvenir for various occasions.

Please note that the prices for dining in with Royal Osha’s traditional Khao Chae may be subject to change. Additionally, for the Set Take Away option, reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance, and the vouchers received within the box must adhere to the terms and conditions set by the company.

Click here to visit the main page of Royal Osha.

5. Reviews of Khao Chae from real food critics, both for dining in and take away

Khao Chae

For Royal Osha’s traditional Khao Chae, which is a renowned menu item that makes a comeback during the hot season, it has received resounding praise from avid food enthusiasts. This dish, crafted by Chef Wichit Mukura, stands out with its unique characteristics that captivate anyone who tastes it, leaving them eagerly anticipating its return every hot season without fail. Reviews of Royal Osha’s traditional royal soaked rice, both Dine-in and Take Away options, confirm that this dish is a signature menu item of Royal Osha that shouldn’t be missed. Here are some of the reviews:

 

K. gamsamsara:

“The hot weather is not so bad after all because you get to enjoy the Royal Osha’s annual Khao Chae. It’s both delicious and beautifully presented. Absolutely amazing! Everyone who tries it falls in love. The preserved rice water here is extraordinary, sourced from Iceland with a pH of 8.8. It’s available only until the end of this month, or you can order a delivery set for someone special. They even provide pictures for your enjoyment. It’s truly delightful!”

K. limi_tata:

“Feeling the heat this hot season? Well, why not cool down with Royal Ocha’s Khao Chae Takeaway Set? It comes in this nice red gift box.

Inside, you’ve got this fragrant jasmine rice floating in this super refreshing Thai flower-scented water, and it’s all served up with 7 really delicious condiments. Let me tell you, that stir-fried shredded pork with tamarind chili sauce? Oh, it’s just fantastic! Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or you’re giving it to someone else, it’s sure to bring some happiness. So, why not give the Khao Chae Takeaway Set a try and enjoy it right at home?”

K. foodie.munchies:

“Royal Osha is like the ultimate Thai food experience! Their Palace-style Khao Chae is so good, especially on those scorching hot days when you just need something refreshing.

If you’re thinking of spending Songkran there, let me tell you, it’s fancy! The place itself is gorgeous, with this grand staircase all golden and a chandelier right in the middle shaped like a crown. And get this, they’ve been in the Michelin Guide for five years straight! So you can bet the food’s top-notch.

Their main deal is this Khao Chae called ‘Khao Chae Royal Osha,’ cooked up by Chef Wichit Mukura. It’s jasmine rice soaked in flower- scented water, served with a bunch of sides that they’ve put a ton of effort into. Shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed bell pepper with minced pork and shrimp, fried salted egg yolk, stir fried shredded pork with tamarind sauce, sweet stir fried black stingray and stir fried sweet preserved radish, all that good stuff, served with fancy veggies.

The rice is soft, they’ve got chilled water to sip on, and those side dishes, man, they hit the spot. And don’t even get me started on their desserts—ice cream and sweet Marian plum? Yes, please!

But it’s not just the Khao Chae; everything else they make is delicious too. Their Tom Yum Goong with big river prawns? Amazing. The Green Curry? Fragrant and tasty. And then there’s these wraps with Foie gras that are sweet, salty, sour, and smell like heaven with all those spices and flowers. Trust me, you gotta try it all!

K. porsajika:

“In this heat, Thais turn to Khao Chae for relief. The fragrant jasmine rice in flower-infused water paired with sweet and savory sides like shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed bell pepper with minced pork and shrimp, fried salted egg yolk, stir fried shredded pork with

tamarind sauce, sweet stir fried black stingray and stir fried sweet preserved radish complement each other perfectly. It’s a delicious and harmonious combination. If you haven’t experienced Khao Chae yet, you should definitely give it a try at @royaloshabangkok. Chef Wichit Mukura makes it incredibly tasty and satisfying.”

ploifone

This Thai New Year, let’s go enjoy some Royal Osha Khao Chae together at @royaloshabangkok Seriously, it totally lives up to the Michelin Guide hype! Every ingredient is so flavorful: shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed bell pepper with minced pork and shrimp, fried salted egg yolk, stir fried shredded pork with tamarind sauce, sweet stir fried black stingray and stir fried sweet preserved radish. Served with fragrant jasmine rice, it’s so refreshing and perfect for this hot weather. You’ve got to try it!

K. bon_appetitbkk:

This summer, I got to experience Khao Chae at Royal Ocha for the first

time . I already knew Chef Vichit Mukura’s Khao Chae would be

amazing, based on my previous experiences with his cooking. The presentation was impressive, with dry ice adding a nice touch. But what really blew me away was the rice itself! Cooked with fragrant jasmine rice, it was just perfect and aromatic. Using Iceland Spring mineral water with a pH of 8.8 made it even more refreshing.

The 7 accompaniments for Khao Chae are absolutely delightful! You’ve got the full spread with shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed bell pepper with minced pork and shrimp, fried salted egg yolk, stir fried shredded pork with tamarind sauce(which is a unique touch), sweet stir fried black stingray and stir fried sweet preserved radish. Plus, there’s beautifully carved vegetables to complete the ensemble, topped off with fresh, refreshing slices of sweet Marian plums in syrup.

K. rosesfood:

“Let me start by saying, I have never tried Khao Chae before, ever. So, this time, I tried the “Khao Chae Chao Wang Recipe by Chef Vichit” at Royal Osha restaurant, which was a first in my life. It was quite an experience, everything was meticulously prepared and detailed.

Personally, I liked the salted eggs and the stir-fried shredded pork. The pork had a slight spiciness from being stir-fried with tamarind sauce, which balanced the sweetness perfectly. Even though they were fried, every time I ate the accompaniments, I alternated with Khao Chae to cleanse my palate, making me ready for the next bite. It was truly enjoyable.

As for the rice, it was fragrant jasmine rice floating in Thai flower- scented water. Rose thought the aroma was exceptionally special, not overpowering at all. Another special thing was the water used by the restaurant, with a pH value of 8.8, which helped to enhance the scent of the jasmine flowers.

After finishing, we ended with a dessert of sweet Marian plum in syrup, Traditional Ice Cream Rosella Flavour and fresh coconut”

K. hungrymoju:

“Having Khao Chae at our regular spot at home every year, it’s convenient, beautiful, and delicious. @royaloshabangkok The presentation is superb from start to finish. The restaurant even got a Michelin star! I brought my mom along, and she was so pleased. This year, we started with sweet Mariam plum, which was refreshing and sweet. We especially loved the rice; it was individually separated, not dry and hard like some other places (my mom loved it so much). All the fried accompaniments were done perfectly, not oily at all, crispy every time. We particularly enjoyed the fried salted egg yolk, which had a nice texture. The stuffed shallot with dried fish was sweet and salty; my mom loved the stuffed bell pepper, saying the pork was excellent, unlike anywhere else, along with the black stingray.

The complimentary desserts were incredibly delicious! The intense ice cream wakes you up with every bite, we loved it so much. It’s like a wake-up call, especially with the pineapple and salted chili. We loved it!”

K. foodtrackinbkk:

“@royaloshabangkok #TheUltimateKhaoChae!! From someone who’s never had Khao Chae before, this place is the real deal! Delicious to the

point of singing praises! Backed by a fine dining establishment

that’s been awarded the Michelin Guide for 5 consecutive years .

They even provide instructions on what to eat with what to make it taste good, and following them doesn’t disappoint. No wonder they’ve earned Michelin stars! 🤩 Truly delicious. I wish everyone could try it. Each dish is meticulously crafted, with flavors that are incredibly refined. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into them.”

oatkomkrich:

“Whenever it’s Khao Chae season, I always think of

@royaloshabangkok as my first choice .

The highlight of Khao Chae here is the incredibly fragrant flower- scented water, served with all 7 traditional accompaniments: shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed bell pepper with minced pork and shrimp, fried salted egg yolk, stir fried shredded pork with tamarind sauce(which is a unique touch), sweet stir fried black stingray and stir fried sweet preserved radish, enjoyed with fresh vegetables.

One great thing about this place is that they provide a menu leaflet before the course starts, indicating which dish should be paired with

which condiment and vegetable to complement each other perfectly. This enhances the dining experience. And for desserts, they serve sweet

Marian plum in syrup, a refreshing end to the meal .”

 

Click here to access the Royal Osha reservation page.

6. Must-Try Delicacies Beyond Royal Osha’s Khao Chae!

In addition to Khao Chae, the signature dish of Royal Osha, there are other original menu items created by Chef Wichit Mukura to provide an authentic taste of traditional Thai cuisine in easily accessible flavors. Here are some must-try dishes at Royal Osha that food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss after tasting the Royal Thai Heritage Recipe:

  1. Kanom Jeen Royal Osha: This is a menu item that Chef Wichit Mukura has elevated to Fine Dining status. It offers three variations: Kanom Jeen in Chili Sauce, Kanom Jeen with clear minced fishes curry, and Kanom Jeen with coconut milk and fish ball. The noodles are soft and chewy, served with richly flavored curry pastes blended with aromatic coconut milk. This combination allows diners to savor the richness and depth of flavors, showcasing the premium quality ingredients in every bite.
  2. Southern Style Rice Berry and Thai Herbs Salad: This dish combines a variety of ingredients, blending the iconic Southern Thai dish of Spicy Rice Salad with high-quality ingredients such as pounded rice from Chiang Rai province, along with herbs and premium ingredients such as Korean perilla, anchovy, job’s tear, pomelo, mango, carrots, green beans, shallots, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. It is all mixed with a special recipe spicy dressing from Royal Osha and finished with a squeeze of lime, ensuring a bold, flavorful, and harmonious dish.

Please note that the Royal Thai Heritage Recipe and other original menu items at Royal Osha may vary or be available only during certain periods. Therefore, food enthusiasts who are interested in experiencing authentic Thai flavors can inquire for more details or stay updated on updates via Facebook: Royal Osha Bangkok.

Click here to access Our Menu page of Royal Osha.

7. Order or reserve your seat to experience the deliciousness of Khao Chae at Royal Osha right here!

Khao Chae

For food enthusiasts who want to experience the deliciousness of Royal Osha’s Khao Chae during this hot season, they can indulge in the delightful, fresh, and satisfying flavors of the Khao Chae at Royal Osha. This menu item helps to cool down during hot weather in Thailand, available for both Dine-in and Takeaway, perfectly addressing the need to beat the heat. Those who wish to order or reserve a seat in advance to enjoy Khao Chae or indulge in the Fine Dining Set Menu options for the Summer or any other season, can contact Royal Osha through the following channels:

Line Official: @royalosha

Contact number: 02-256-6555 or 085-489-0571

Facebook: Royal Osha Bangkok

Website: www.royalosha.com

 

Click here to access the Reservation page of Royal Osha.