Khao phat is a simple one-plate dish which is ideal for those who don’t enjoy some of the spicier Thai food, but it’s also a dish commonly eaten by Thai people too so there’s no need to think you are not being adventurous by ordering it. The word khao means rice and phat refers to the stir-fried method of cooking. On menus that have been translated into English you may see it written in a variety of ways including kao pat, khao phad and kow phat.
Thai fried rice with chicken (khao phat gai)
Ingredients will vary slightly depending on where you are, but typically will include egg, tomato, onion and garlic. Depending on your individual preferences you may wish to include chicken, pork, shrimp or crab.
Fried rice with chicken = khao phat gai
Fried rice with pork = khao phat moo
Fried rice with shrimp = khao phat kung
Fried rice with crab = khao phat poo
The food is stir-fried with seasoning including soy sauce, sugar and nam plaa (fish sauce) before being served as it is or sometimes with accompaniments like coriander, slices of cucumber and tomato, lettuce and half a lime. A small individual dish of nam plaa prik (fish sauce with chillies) may also be offered to give the food a bit more of a kick or you may just add seasoning from the communal ones that will already be on the table. At a basic roadside stall or restaurant expect to pay around 30 or 40 Baht going up to around 100 Baht or more at fancier eateries.
