BANGKOK – As April rolls around in Thailand, the temperature rises, marking the onset of scorching heat. Amidst this sweltering climate. The air thrums with the joyous Scent of Songkran, the water festival. Jasmine wafts from offerings at glistening Buddha statues, mingling with the playful perfume of fragrant water fights.
However, when conversations veer towards food that complements the Songkran theme and embodies the refreshing essence of summer, one dish invariably takes the spotlight is ‘Khao Chae’
Khao Chae, meaning “soaked rice,” is a royal recipe traditionally enjoyed during the scorching summer months. This dish features fluffy jasmine rice, cooked and then soaked in cool, fragrant flower water. Jasmine flowers, roses, and ylang-ylang, delicately smoked with candlelight, infuse the water with their intoxicating aroma. The result is a refreshing and visually stunning base for a symphony of flavors.
Khao Chae’s journey from local Mon cuisine to a royal favorite is fascinating. Originally used in offerings during Songkran, the dish gained wider popularity thanks to Chao Chom Manda Sonklin, a woman of Mon descent who introduced it to the royal court. Since then Khao Chae had transcended palace walls and become a cherished summer tradition.
Today, anyone can indulge in this exquisite dish without needing royal connections. At Benjarong Restaurant in Baan Dusit Thani, you have the opportunity to savor Khao Chae prepared according to a 50-year-old royal recipe. Alongside the fragrant rice, you’ll be treated to a dazzling assortment of side dishes, each showcasing culinary mastery.
Bell peppers are generously stuffed with a savory mixture of shrimp and minced pork. Shallots are filled with tender spotted eagle ray, offering a unique and delightful flavor. Deep-fried shrimp paste balls, crafted with the finest Ranong shrimp paste, provide a tantalizing burst of taste.
Complementing these savory delights are sweet radish, tender shreds of beef or pork, and crispy herbs, offering a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The culinary journey culminates in a sweet fish fillet, delicately pounded until fluffy and stir-fried with creamy coconut milk and sugar, resulting in a delectably sticky finish.
Diners can savor this sumptuous feast throughout April, immersing themselves in the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. Conveniently located near Saladaeng BTS Station and Silom MRT Station, Benjarong Restaurant is easily accessible for culinary enthusiasts eager to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
Priced at 990++ baht per set, suitable for 1-2 people, this culinary masterpiece is available exclusively from today until April 30, 2024. With opening hours from 11:00 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 22:00 daily, there’s ample opportunity to experience this culinary journey unlike any other.
