When it comes to comfort food in Thailand, Khao Pad holds a special place on every dining table. Known internationally as Thai Fried Rice, this dish captures the heart of Thai home-style cooking — simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. At Shalimar Restaurant in Phuket, we take pride in preparing Khao Pad the traditional way, balancing savory sauces, fragrant jasmine rice, and fresh local ingredients for that authentic Thai taste everyone loves.
Whether you’re a traveler seeking local flavors or a Phuket resident craving classic Thai dishes, this article will walk you through the beloved Khao Pad recipe — its origins, ingredients, preparation, and why it’s a must-try at Shalimar.
What Is Khao Pad?
The term “Khao Pad” literally translates to “fried rice” in Thai. This dish is a staple in Thai cuisine, made with jasmine rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein — often chicken, shrimp, or crab. What makes Khao Pad Thai fried rice unique is its delicate blend of seasonings like soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and lime, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Unlike other fried rice varieties, Khao Pad Thai focuses on freshness — every bite offers fragrant rice grains, crisp vegetables, and the distinct aroma of Thai herbs.
Ingredients for Authentic Recipe
To make a perfect Khao Pad, the choice of ingredients is key. At Shalimar, we use premium-quality Thai jasmine rice — slightly dry and fluffy — ideal for frying. Here’s what typically goes into this dish:
- 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day old)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of diced vegetables (carrots, spring onions, peas)
- ½ cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of fish sauce
- A pinch of white pepper
- Fresh lime wedges and cucumber slices for garnish
Optional ingredients include chili flakes for spice and a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma.
How to Cook – Step-by-Step
At Shalimar Phuket, our chefs follow a time-honored process to create the perfect plate of Thai fried rice Khao Pad:
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until golden and fragrant.
- Add the Egg: Crack in an egg and quickly scramble it with the garlic.
- Add the Protein: Toss in your choice of chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Mix in the Rice: Add the cold cooked rice, breaking up any lumps with the spatula. Stir-fry until the rice is heated evenly.
- Season It Right: Pour in soy sauce and fish sauce. Mix well so every grain absorbs the flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced vegetables and toss for another minute until slightly tender.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle white pepper, garnish with lime wedges and cucumber, and serve hot.
The secret lies in the quick stir-frying process — the heat seals in the aroma and keeps the rice grains perfectly separate.
Why Shalimar’s Khao Pad Stands Out
At Shalimar Phuket, we believe that great food begins with great ingredients. Our chefs use only high-quality jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, and locally sourced seafood or chicken to craft an authentic Khao Pad Thai fried rice that bursts with flavor.
Our version is slightly smoky, balanced in seasoning, and served with a refreshing touch of lime and cucumber — just like you’d find on the streets of Bangkok.
For guests seeking variety, we also offer different versions such as:
- Khao Pad Thai – the classic version with chicken or shrimp.
- Khao Pad Thai Valenciennes – a regional variation with extra spice and herbs.
- Vegetarian Khao Pad – a wholesome, meat-free option with tofu and fresh vegetables.
Health Benefits
While Khao Pad is comforting and flavorful, it’s also surprisingly nutritious. Made with vegetables, lean protein, and eggs, it provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Opting for brown rice or reducing the oil can make it even healthier.
At Shalimar, we use minimal oil and fresh ingredients to ensure that every serving of Khao Pad is light, wholesome, and guilt-free.
FAQs
Q1: What is Khao Pad?
It’s Thai-style fried rice made with jasmine rice, eggs, vegetables, and a mix of savory sauces.
Q2: Is Khao Pad spicy?
It’s mildly spicy by default, but spice levels can be adjusted to your preference.
Q3: What protein can be added to Khao Pad?
You can use chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu — all taste great in this dish.
Q4: What makes Khao Pad different from Chinese fried rice?
Khao Pad uses Thai jasmine rice, fish sauce, and lime for a distinct aroma and flavor unique to Thailand.
Q5: Can I try Khao Pad in Phuket?
Absolutely! Visit Shalimar Restaurant in Phuket for the most authentic Khao Pad Thai made by expert chefs using traditional Thai recipes.