Bangkok--20 Mar--The Okura Prestige Bangkok
As the temperature begins to build throughout April and we look forward to the Thai New Year, Khao Chae, a traditional dish with a regal history, is the perfect way to relieve the heat. Once known as Chao Wang or 'dish from the palace' because it was a favourite of royalty, Khao Chae comprises rice steeped in iced jasmine-scented water accompanied by a selection of side dishes and zesty pastes. Literally meaning 'soaked rice', when Khao Chae first became popular in Thailand almost 200 years ago, the country had no ice so the water in which it was served was chilled using earthenware jars that were kept in the shade and sometimes partially buried. Today the popular summer dish includes rice in iced jasmine-infused water served with shredded sweet pork, shredded sweet beef, fried fish with shrimp paste balls, and sweet bell peppers stuffed with pork and encased in an egg wrap. These are first steamed and then fried to a beautiful consistency before being allowed to cool. Other condiments include fried shallots, fish balls, and stir-fried sweet pickled Chinese turnips with egg. Light, fragrant, and full of flavour, Khao Chae offers a refreshing culinary treat on a hot summer day.
Khao Chae is available daily from 12 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., 1 - 30 April 2018, at Up & Above Restaurant. Priced at Baht 525++.
Up & Above Restaurant is located on the 24th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. For information and reservations, please call 02 687 9000 or email
[email protected].
Price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.