Ask Thais what they usually eat, and “khao pad” is bound to be one of the answers. Fried rice is considered an essential in Thai cuisine, and a majority of Thai households prepare and enjoy it at least once a week.
Cooking khao pad is simple. There is no set recipe to make it. Usually, all you need are eggs, a meat or protein of your choice, some veggies and, of course, rice.
But cooking is all about creativity, don’t you agree? This is why fried rice is served in God-knows-how-many ways. Some use plain chicken or pork, whereas others turn to more unconventional ingredients like salmon or crab meat. (Pineapple is also a popular ingredient in this dish. Sorry to Hawaiian pizza haters.) Regardless of the mix-ins, every variation promises comforting flavors and that wok-fried aroma in every bite.
Many restaurants across Bangkok serve khao pad that’s on an entirely different level, whether in taste or presentation. We’ve picked eight of the best ones.
You’ll be surprised to find that khao pad comes in many iterations at this eatery. Chef Pattarawit “Park” Junthai, who is also behind Chim Ramen, has come up with a roster of unforgettable rice-based dishes like fried rice with salted beef jerky, with crab meat or with beef tongue.
Delivery: LINE (@frieddining)
This famous fried rice place near IMPACT arena is frequented by both regulars and passersby. The fried rice with crab meat is definitely the highlight, but you can also order other equally delicious dishes like shrimp casserole with glass noodles, stir-fried Thai-style sukiyaki, fish maw in chicken broth, and pork satay.
Delivery: LINE MAN or GrabFood
As its name suggests, Krua Khun Mae (Mom’s Kitchen) is dedicated to serving homemade comfort food by the owner, Khun Pui. The Crab Fried Rice is the star of the menu, a filling dish that comes with an overload of shredded crab meat and a tempting wok-fried aroma.
Delivery: Facebook, LINE (@kruakhunmae), or call 08 4733 0022
Rongros, the elegant restaurant along Chao Phraya, has recently launched a delivery-based outlet called Rosduan. Fried rice with salted fish and pork is the specialty, along with fermented fish fried rice served with deep-fried pork jowl. Oh, they also serve garlic fried rice with grilled salmon. One word: amazing.
Delivery: GrabFood, LINE MAN, LINE (@rosduanbkk), or call 09 6946 1785
Satanee Khao Pad, which literally means “fried rice station”, attracts all hungry folks from all walks of life. Their signature dish is a fried rice that uses an age-old recipe and cooked with black soy sauce. But there are more modern takes, like Salmon & Black Pepper Fried Rice and Pork Floss & Pineapple Fried Rice.
Delivery: foodpanda, Gojek, GrabFood or LINE MAN
Sood Kua, the more casual sister eatery of popular go-to Supanniga, excels in simple and humble meals. Chili and salt are used in almost every offering, including the Crab Roe, Prawn & Pork with Chili & Salt Fried Rice.
Delivery: GrabFood, LINE MAN or Supanniga Delivery
This crowd-pleaser from Lampang now has a Bangkok outpost at Stadium One (near BTS National Stadium). One dish you shouldn’t miss is the crab meat-loaded fried rice.
Delivery: LINE MAN, or call 06 1635 5667
Discover Time Out original video
