Khao Pad — Fried Rice, Thailand's Most Popular Dish

Khao Pad is not just fried rice, it's a symbol of Thai cuisine that can be found everywhere: from street stalls to fine restaurants. Fried rice with egg, meat, and vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce — this dish has won the hearts of millions of people around the world with its simplicity, accessibility, and taste. In this article, we'll tell you about the history of Khao Pad, its ingredients, varieties, and where to try it best in Thailand.

What is Khao Pad?

Khao Pad is a traditional Thai dish of fried rice, whose name translates as "fried rice". The dish is prepared in a wok (deep pan) with egg, meat (chicken, pork, shrimp) and vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes minimal amounts of chili peppers. Khao Pad is usually not spicy and has a balanced taste of salty, sweet, and umami.

Khao Pad is not just food, it's comfort food for Thais. This dish is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it always brings comfort and satisfaction.

History of Khao Pad

Khao Pad has Chinese roots and was brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants. The dish is an adaptation of Chinese fried rice, which was popular in China. Over time, the recipe adapted to Thai tastes using Thai ingredients such as fish sauce and Thai basil, and became one of the most popular dishes in Thailand.

Today, Khao Pad is a must-have item on the menu of any Thai restaurant and is especially popular among tourists, as it's one of the safest and most accessible dishes in Thai cuisine.

Khao Pad Ingredients

Classic Khao Pad consists of the following main ingredients:

Main components:

• Rice — jasmine rice, cooked in advance and cooled
• Eggs — usually 1-2 eggs per serving
• Meat — chicken, pork, shrimp, or their combination
• Vegetables — onions, green onions, peas, carrots

Sauce:

• Soy sauce — for saltiness and color
• Fish sauce (nam pla) — for umami
• Sugar — for flavor balance
• Chili peppers — optional, in minimal amounts

Garnishes:

• Lime wedges
• Cucumbers — fresh cucumbers, sliced
• Cilantro (optional)
• Chili peppers (optional)

Khao Pad Varieties

Khao Pad Kai (with Chicken)

Classic version with chicken. Chicken is cut into thin strips and quickly fried with rice. This is the most popular version of the dish.

Khao Pad Goong (with Shrimp)

Version with shrimp. Shrimp is fried with rice, giving the dish a special seafood aroma.

Khao Pad Moo (with Pork)

Version with pork. Pork is cut into thin strips and quickly fried.

Khao Pad Talay (with Seafood)

Luxury version with various seafood: shrimp, squid, mussels, and crab.

Khao Pad Sapparot (with Pineapple)

Sweetish version with pineapple. Pineapple adds sweetness and freshness to the dish.

Where to Try the Best Khao Pad

In Bangkok

In Bangkok, Khao Pad is prepared especially well. Street stalls offer this dish for 50-80 baht, and often the street version is tastier than the restaurant version. Local chefs prepare Khao Pad every day and know all the secrets of its preparation. Especially popular are stalls in the Siam area and at Chatuchak Market.

Best places in Bangkok:

• Street stalls in the Siam area
• Chatuchak Market
• Food courts in shopping malls
• Thai cuisine restaurants

In Phuket

In Phuket, Khao Pad is prepared with special attention to detail. Restaurants and street stalls offer this dish at affordable prices. Especially popular are stalls at night markets and in Phuket Old Town.

In Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, Khao Pad is a popular dish for breakfast and lunch. Street stalls offer this dish from early morning, and it's especially popular among locals and tourists.

At Street Stalls

Street stalls are the best place to try authentic Khao Pad. Chefs prepare the dish right before your eyes in huge woks, using traditional techniques. Prices here are the most affordable — from 50 to 80 baht per serving.

Advantages of street stalls:

• Freshly prepared dish
• Authentic taste
• Low prices
• Opportunity to watch the cooking process

How to Order Khao Pad

When ordering Khao Pad in Thailand, you can specify your preferences:

• "Mai phet" — not spicy
• "Phet nit noi" — a little spicy
• "Kai" — with chicken
• "Goong" — with shrimp
• "Moo" — with pork
• "Talay" — with seafood

Khao Pad Recipe (Basic)

Although it's better to try the original in Thailand, here's a basic recipe for home cooking:

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cooled)
• 2 eggs
• 150g chicken or shrimp
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• Green onions for serving
• Lime for serving

Preparation:

1. Heat a wok or large pan
2. Fry eggs and set aside
3. Fry garlic and onions
4. Add meat and fry until done
5. Add rice and mix
6. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar
7. Add eggs back and mix
8. Serve with green onions and lime

Tips for Tourists

1. Try it at street stalls — it's cheaper and often tastier than in restaurants. Street chefs prepare this dish every day and know all the secrets.

2. Don't be afraid to experiment — try different varieties: with chicken, shrimp, pork, or seafood.

3. Try it for breakfast — Khao Pad is a popular breakfast dish in Thailand and is especially delicious in the morning.

4. Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for Khao Pad near you, taking into account your preferences.

5. Try it in different cities — Khao Pad can differ depending on the region. In Bangkok, it's prepared with special attention to detail.

6. Great choice for children — Khao Pad usually appeals to children thanks to its simple taste and familiar ingredients.

Conclusion

Khao Pad is more than just fried rice. It's a symbol of simplicity and taste in Thai cuisine that unites people around the world. From street stalls in Bangkok to restaurants in Phuket — Khao Pad is prepared differently everywhere, but always with love and skill. Try this dish in different places, and you'll discover all the diversity of its flavors. Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for Khao Pad near you!