At last, the warm summer breeze has returned, carrying with it the charm of the royal Thai table, inviting us to savour it once more. Contemporary Khao Chae restaurants have become the talk of the season, drawing friends, family, and loved ones alike to experience a refreshing taste while soaking in the delicate artistry of this treasured Thai cuisine.
One of Thailand’s quintessential summer dishes, enjoyed only once a year, is Khao Chae—an ancient culinary gem brimming with elegance and refinement from the royal kitchens. Every detail speaks of meticulous care: from selecting the perfect grains of rice that stay separate and firm, to soaking them in fragrant floral water, and crafting each accompaniment with precision and skilled technique. Khao Chae is not merely a dish to cool the body; it embodies the wisdom, artistry, and heritage of Thai cuisine passed down through generations.
In this article, #legend_TH takes you on a journey to sample Khao Chae from a variety of restaurants, allowing you to experience flavours steeped in history and timeless sophistication.
Bangkok’78 at Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok
Discover the royal Thai tradition of Khao Chae and exquisite summer lunch sets at Bangkok’78, Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, part of the Vignette Collection. Executive Chef Pakvalanch (Golf) draws inspiration from the original Khao Chae recipe, which originated from Mon cuisine and was refined during the reign of King Rama IV. His interpretation transforms it into a refreshing summer menu that highlights carefully selected local ingredients, reflecting the true heritage of Thai culinary arts.
Serving period: Royal-style summer Khao Chae is available daily from March to April 2026 at Bangkok’78, Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection.
Marie Guimar at Wyndham Bangkok Queen Convention Centre Hotel
No summer Khao Chae round-up would be complete without Marie Guimar. This year, Chef Pik Kanin Sinphan presents a menu crafted from premium ingredients sourced across Thailand, following the ancient royal recipe. Guests begin with a refreshing chilled watermelon with dried fish, followed by a set of Khao Chae accompanied by eight meticulously prepared side dishes, including stuffed dried red chillies with fish, shrimp and pork-filled peppers wrapped in egg, krupuk-like shrimp crackers, and sun-dried gourami. The meal is complemented by floral-scented mineral water and concludes with a zesty Marian plum orange granita, a cooling finale for body and soul.
Serving period: This seasonal Khao Chae is available daily until 20 April 2026 at Marie Guimar, 28th floor, Wyndham Bangkok Queen Convention Centre Hotel.
Flavors at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
This summer, cool down with a legendary dish reimagined at Flavors. The restaurant has designed a Khao Chae menu showcasing “premium rice from Thailand’s four regions,” offering a unique taste from each. Northern cuisine features fragrant, tender Bue Si Mi rice, representing the mountain spirit; the South brings the chewy Sangyok rice, reflecting riverine heritage; Central Thailand offers Pandan-scented Jasmine rice, delicately aromatic; while the Northeast presents deep-purple Surin Black Jasmine rice, a bold tribute to Isan’s treasures.
Serving period: Enjoy Khao Chae from the four regions in the international buffet, Monday–Friday, 12:00–15:00 throughout April 2026 at Flavors, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel.
Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant
This summer, Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant invites you to savour Khao Chae blending royal and local flavours. Chef Pik elevates the dish with meticulous care, serving Thai Jasmine rice in floral water in elegant brass bowls, accompanied by seven traditional side dishes. The meal concludes with a tangy mulberry, lychee, and Marian plum dessert. Guests can dine in-house or order a limited-edition tiffin set, adorned with Jim Thompson silk and a specially designed fabric bag.
Serving period: Available daily until 17 May 2026, 11:30–16:30 at Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant, Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, Soi Kasemsan 2 (limited to 50 sets per day).
The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique The Riverfront
At The Siam Tea Room, riverside dining meets Khao Chae heritage. This year, they present Jasmine rice soaked in fragrant floral water, inspired by three distinguished Thai culinary masters: Thanphuying Gleeb Mahit, Ajarn Pradit Thaiyanon, and Mom Luang Terb Chumsai. Accompanied by traditional snacks like walnut Ma Hor and tamarind-licorice tea, the menu balances flavour and history beautifully.
Serving period: Available daily until 31 May 2026, 12:00–16:00 at The Siam Tea Room, Asiatique The Riverfront.
Khum Hom at Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok
Khum Hom offers a sensory delight with Khao Chae using Jasmine rice infused with candle smoke. Paired with ten meticulously crafted side dishes, including seasoned shrimp paste balls, stuffed peppers with pork and shrimp, sweetened Jessenia fish, and fried salted egg yolks, the meal ends with Marian plum in syrup. Guests can dine in or take home the special woven basket sets, perfect as a gift.
Serving period: Available daily until 30 April 2026 at Khum Hom, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok.
Bangkok Baking Company (BBCO) at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
Throughout April 2026, Bangkok Baking Company (BBCO) presents chilled Khao Chae, honouring a tradition passed through generations. Chef Tang Thanantorn Bunnak prepares Jasmine rice in chilled jasmine-scented water, accompanied by nine side dishes, from shrimp paste balls and stuffed peppers to sweetened shredded pork, fish, and eggs. The set concludes with a tangy traditional dessert and butterfly-pea lemon tea for refreshing balance. The dish is also available in the international lunch buffet from 13–15 April 2026.
Serving period: Daily from 1–30 April 2026, 11:00–15:00 at BBCO, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok.
Le Du Kaan at EA Rooftop at The Empire
At Le Du Kaan, Chef Ton Thitid Tanakajorn reinterprets Khao Chae as a contemporary dessert. Jasmine rice in chilled candle-scented water transforms into creamy rice milk ice cream, served with shrimp paste crumble, salted egg yolk with mung bean, and pickled mango. The menu evokes the flavours and aromas of traditional Khao Chae in a modern twist. Other summer highlights include cucumber salad, fermented pork neck, and grilled coconut-marinated beef.
Serving period: Available daily until 30 June 2026, lunch 11:30–14:30, dinner 17:00–22:30 at Le Du Kaan, EA Rooftop, The Empire.
