Khao kaeng

Last updated • 4 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Khao kaeng
Thai Food in street.JPG
A typical khao kaeng restaurant setting, displaying a variety of curries and side dishes served with steamed rice.
Alternative namesKhao gaeng
Thai rice and curry
khao rat kaeng
CourseMain course
Place of origin Thailand
Region or stateNationwide (with regional variations)
Created by Thai-Chinese
Thai people
Serving temperatureHot or room temperature
Main ingredientsSteamed rice, curry (various types), with side dishes like vegetables, pickled items or eggs

Khao kaeng or Khao gaeng (Thai : ข้าวแกง), literally "rice and curry", also known as khao rat kaeng (Thai : ข้าวราดแกง), meaning "curry on rice", is a traditional Thai dish consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. This dish is a staple of Thai cuisine, particularly popular as a quick and flavorful meal and can be found in restaurants, food stalls and markets across Thailand. The dish is typically characterized by its rich and spicy curries, which are often balanced with fried foods and vegetables.

Contents

History and evolution

Ayutthaya Period (1351–1767)

During the Ayutthaya period, markets in the capital city, including the Taat Kaan market near the royal palace, were hubs of both fresh food and prepared meals. Khao kaeng was among the prepared foods sold alongside items such as rice-wrapped meat (Thai : เมี่ยวห่อ), roasted coconut, Chinese-style dishes, boiled bananas, grilled fish, salted crabs and grilled stingrays. [1] Khao kaeng became particularly popular among government officials, highlighting its status as a convenient and flavorful meal option. [2]

Rattanakosin Period (1782–1932)

During the early Rattanakosin period, particularly in the reigns of Kings Rama I–III (late 18th to early 19th centuries), food trade flourished in both land-based and riverside markets throughout Bangkok. However, most people still preferred to buy fresh ingredients and prepare meals at home. The practice of eating out, especially purchasing prepared meals such as khao kaeng, is believed to have emerged during the reign of King Rama IV, following the signing of the Bowring Treaty in 1855. This period saw significant economic and infrastructural changes, including the construction of the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal and the first roads in the city. These developments encouraged the growth of residential areas along newly established streets, particularly in the Phra Nakhon area, the historical center of Bangkok. [3]

King Chulalongkorn and the Term 'Khao Kaeng'

The term "khao kaeng" (ข้าวแกง), meaning "rice and curry," is one of the earliest recorded mentions in a letter written by King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V). In the letter, the king expressed dissatisfaction with his meals, specifically the side dishes (กับข้าว), which he found unappetizing. On one occasion, he requested Krom Muen Prab, a royal official, to purchase khao kaeng (curry rice) for him. King Chulalongkorn is said to have developed a particular fondness for khao kaeng, and during his royal tours, arrangements were often made to ensure he could enjoy the dish while traveling.

Khao Kaeng Shops in the Late Rattanakosin Period

According to the Sarbanya Chi (Public Register), Part 2, which listed residents in the districts and streets of Bangkok in the year 1245 BE (approximately 1883 CE), during the reign of King Rama V, there were 57 khao kaeng shops, 10 noodle shops, 14 fried noodle stalls, 2 rice dumpling shops, 3 shops selling Thai noodles and 6 porridge stalls in Bangkok. By the late reign of King Rama V and the early reign of King Rama VI, khao kaeng street vendors had become common, especially in urban areas. [4]

Lawan Chotamar, a writer, recounts that over a century ago, a well-known khao kaeng stall was run by a couple, Ta Peng and Yai Puk, at the Ban Mo intersection. The stall, located near a large hall called Sala Ta Peng, became highly successful, and the couple amassed wealth from their khao kaeng business. [5]

Additionally, many roadside food vendors, particularly near gambling houses, sold khao kaeng These vendors were often operated by Chinese immigrants from the Teochew community. Phaya Anuman Rajadhon, a Thai scholar and official, recorded that these khao kaeng stalls primarily catered to Chinese laborers, but Thai people also frequented them, sitting on long benches to eat the affordable meals. [6]

Modern Day

Inside a traditional khao kaeng restaurant in Talat Phlu, Bangkok Khao kaeng Talat Phlu (I).jpg
Inside a traditional khao kaeng restaurant in Talat Phlu, Bangkok

Today, khao kaeng remains a popular and accessible meal, available in a variety of settings, including sit-down restaurants, food stalls, and even in gas stations. At these establishments, customers typically choose a portion of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes according to their preferences. Most khao kaeng shops that offer seating operate in the morning, primarily catering to local communities, while khao kaeng vendors in markets, referred to as "market khao kaeng" (khao kaeng Na Talat) or "takeaway khao kaeng" (Arthar Thung), are popular for dinner.

In Bangkok, one notable regional variety of khao kaeng is khao kaeng pak tai, which features dishes from Southern Thailand, known for their bold flavors and spiciness. [7]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thai cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Thailand

Thai cuisine is the national cuisine of Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lao cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Laos

Lao cuisine or Laotian cuisine is the national cuisine of Laos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phetchaburi province</span> Province of Thailand

Phetchaburi or Phet Buri is one of the western or central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. In the west it borders the Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar. Phetchaburi is home to Kaeng Krachan National Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green papaya salad</span> Spicy salad made from unripe papaya

Green papaya salad is a spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya. It is generally believed to have been created by the Lao people and is considered one of the national dishes of Laos. Green papaya salad is also popular in neighbouring Thailand's Isan region, whose population is mainly composed of ethnic Lao and from where it spread to the rest of Thailand known as som tam. Green papaya salad has also spread to the rest of the continental Southeast Asia, as well as Xishuangbanna (China).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noodle soup</span> Soups with noodles in broth

Noodle soup refers to a variety of soups with noodles and other ingredients served in a light broth. Noodle soup is a common dish across East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Himalayan states of South Asia. Various types of noodles are used, such as rice noodles, wheat noodles and egg noodles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green curry</span> Variety of curry

Green curry is a central Thai variety of curry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Massaman curry</span> Mild Thai curry

Massaman curry is a rich, flavourful, and mildly spicy Thai curry. It is a fusion dish, combining ingredients from three sources: Persia, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Malay Archipelago with ingredients more commonly used in native Thai cuisine to make massaman curry paste. The substance of the dish is usually based on chicken or other meat, potatoes, onions, and peanuts. The richness comes from the coconut milk and cream used as a base, as for many Thai curries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thai curry</span> Dishes in Thai cuisine made with curry paste

Thai curry is a dish in Thai cuisine made from curry paste, coconut milk or water, meat, seafood, vegetables or fruit, and herbs. Curries in Thailand mainly differ from the curries in India in their use of ingredients such as fresh rhizomes, herbs, and aromatic leaves rather than a mix of dried spices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thai fried rice</span> Fried rice variety

Thai fried rice is a variety of fried rice typical of central Thai cuisine. In Thai, khao means "rice" and phat means "of or relating to being stir-fried."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pla ra</span> Southeast Asian fermented fish seasoning

Pla ra, similar to padaek in Laos, is a traditional Thai seasoning produced by fermenting fish with rice bran or roasted rice flour and salt fermented in a closed container for at least six months. Fermented fish seasoning are commonly found in Cambodian, Lao, Mon, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Pla ra has a very strong smell, which is considered unpleasant by some people. Its flavors are salty and sour, depending on the amount of salt put in and lactic acid resulting from fermentation process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economy rice</span> Type of food accompanied by rice

Economy rice or economic rice is a type of food or food stall serving many dishes accompanied by rice, commonly found in hawker centres, street vendors or food courts in Malaysia and Singapore. Specifically in Singapore, it is commonly known as cai png, from the Hokkien 菜饭; cài fàn; chhài-pn̄g. In recent times, due to COVID-19 restrictions and its associated economic impact, this concept has also become popular in Hong Kong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steamed curry</span> Southeast Asian type of curry steam-cooked in banana leaves

Steamed curry is a type of Southeast Asian curry that is traditionally cooked by steaming or roasting in banana leaves and served with cooked rice. The curry base is typically made with a paste, either curry paste or fish paste, and may also include coconut cream or coconut milk and eggs. A variety of leaves and staple ingredients are often added to enhance the flavor of the dish.

<i>Kaeng som</i> Fish curry dish

Kaeng som, gaeng som, Asam rebus, or Thai/Lao/Malaysian sour curry is a sour and spicy fish curry or soup with vegetables popular in Southeast Asia. The curry is characteristic for its sour taste, which comes from tamarind (makham). The recipe uses palm sugar to sweeten the curry.

<i>Khanom chin</i> Thai rice noodles

Khanom chin or Khanom jeen are fresh, thin rice noodles in Thai cuisine which are made from rice sometimes fermented for three days, boiled, and then made into noodles by extruding the resulting dough through a sieve into boiling water. Khanom chin is served in many kinds of stock: coconut milk, fish curry, and chilli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaeng tai pla</span> Southern Thai curry, made with a salty sauce made from fermented fish entrails

Kaeng tai pla is a curry of southern Thai cuisine. Its name is derived from tai pla, a salty sauce made from fermented fish entrails, which gives the curry a strong smell and flavor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khao chae</span>

Khao chae is "rice soaked in cool water". "Khao" means "rice" and "chae" means "to soak". Around the time of King Rama II, the recipe was adapted from a Mon dish and then modified. It was meant to be made and consumed in the hot season, from mid-March to the end of April. Ice was not then available in Thailand, so the water was kept cool during hot season by putting it in an earthenware vessel in a shaded place. Some old recipes call for the use of camphor to cool the dish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mango sticky rice</span> South and Southeast Asian dessert

Mango sticky rice is a traditional Southeast Asian and South Asian dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk, and eaten with a spoon or the hands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasi campur</span> Indonesian and Malay rice dish

Nasi campur, also known as nasi rames or sego campur in Java, refers to an Indonesian and Malay dish of a scoop of nasi putih accompanied by small portions of several other dishes, which includes meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp krupuk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Street food of Thailand</span>

Street food in Thailand brings together various offerings of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, fruits and drinks sold by hawkers or vendors at food stalls or food carts on the street side in Thailand. Sampling Thai street food is a popular activity for visitors, as it offers a taste of Thai cooking traditions. Bangkok is often mentioned as one of the best places for street food. In 2012, VirtualTourist named Bangkok as the number one spot for street food—the city is notable for both its variety of offerings and the abundance of street hawkers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baan Varnakovida</span> Restaurant

Baan Varnakovida is a restaurant in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand, specializing in pre-war Siamese cuisine. Owned by Apavinee Indaransi, Baan Varnakovida is housed in a Rama VI-era gingerbread house on Tanao Road. The 2-acre lot was bestowed on Indaransi's grandfather, Luang (หลวง) Krachang Varnakovida, for serving as a royal chancellor to King Rama VI. The restaurant is known for khao chae, jasmine rice soaked in flower-infused water served with accompaniments. Other notable dishes include khao khluk kapi and khanom chin sao nam.

References

  1. เพชรรุ่ง เทียนปิ๋วโรจน์. "Diversity of Food Culture in Ayutthaya Period".
  2. ระดม พบประเสริฐ. "ประวัติศาสตร์วัฒนธรรมการกินอาหารไทยตั้งแต่อดีตจนถึงก่อนรัฐบาล จอมพล ป. พิบูลสงคราม". จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย. p. 20. doi:10.14457/CU.the.2006.236.
  3. "ประวัติศาสตร์ข้าวแกง จากชนชั้นกลาง สู่อาหารสามัญประจำเมือง | จากรากสู่เรา". ไทยพีบีเอส. 12 September 2022.
  4. โดม ไกรปกรณ์. "การค้าอาหารในสังคมไทย สมัยอยุธยาตอนปลายสมัยการปฏิรูปประเทศ". จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย. p. 89. doi:10.14457/CU.the.2006.236.
  5. "ข้าวแกงและก๋วยเตี๋ยว..." Archived from the original on 2012-05-27. Retrieved 2014-07-06.
  6. "ประวัติศาสตร์ปากว่าง: Street Food ไทยสมัยก่อนกินอะไร". วอยซ์ออนไลน์. 23 December 2019.
  7. สุธน สุขพิศิษฐ์ (23 August 2019). "วิวัฒนาการของข้าวแกง จากกับข้าวในบ้าน กับข้าวผูกปิ่นโต สู่กับข้าวร้อยอย่างในร้านริมถนน". เดอะคลาวด์. Retrieved 6 November 2023.