7 Thai Food Rice Dishes That Never Fail
Thai cuisine is famous for its soups, curries, noodles, and flavorful meat dishes. But another star on the table is Thai food with rice as the base. Rice dishes go far beyond the usual fried rice you keep ordering. They hold a special place in Thai dining and bring comfort with every bite. If you want to move past the obvious choice and explore something new, this guide is for you.
Here we highlight seven Thai food rice dishes that never fail, giving you more options to enjoy on your next visit to a Thai restaurant Singapore.
A Guide to the Best Thai Food Rice Dish Favorites Every Diner Should Know
Key takeaways:
Thai cuisine uses different rice types: fragrant jasmine rice for curries and stir-fries, sticky rice for Northern and Isan dishes, and specialty varieties like brown and black glutinous rice.
Rice is central to Thai dining, going beyond a side dish to become the heart of meals.
Popular Thai rice dishes include pineapple fried rice, tom yum fried rice with prawns, crabmeat fried rice, and olive fried rice.
Bangkok Jam Singapore offers authentic, affordable Thai rice dishes handmade by Thai chefs.
What Kind Of Rice Is Used In Thai Food?
There are several types of rice used in Thai cuisine, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Here are some of the most common types of rice used in Thai food:
Jasmine Rice (KhaoHomMali)
This is the most popular and widely used rice in central Thailand and the one most people associate with Thai food. It is a long-grain rice with a delicate floral aroma. When cooked, it becomes soft, slightly sticky, and has a pleasant, chewy texture.
Uses: It's the perfect accompaniment to most Thai dishes, from rich curries and stir-fries to grilled meats and seafood. It's almost always served steamed as a side dish.
Glutinous Rice (KhaoNiao)
Also known as "sticky rice," this short-grain variety is a staple in Northern and Northeastern Thai (Isan) cuisine. When cooked, the grains become very sticky and chewy, making it ideal for eating with your hands.
Uses: It's a common side for grilled dishes like gaiyang (grilled chicken) and savory salads like somtam (papaya salad). It's also the star ingredient in the famous dessert, mango sticky rice (KhaoNiaoMamuang).
Other Notable Rice Varieties
While Jasmine and glutinous rice are the most common, you'll also find other types used for specific purposes:
Brown Rice (Khao Kloang): A healthier, unpolished option that has a nutty flavor and a chewier texture. It's becoming more popular, especially in health-conscious eateries.
Black Glutinous Rice (KhaoNiaoDam): A type of sticky rice with a dark, purplish-black color. It has a slightly earthy flavor and is often used in sweet desserts and puddings.
In short, if you're eating a traditional Thai curry in Bangkok, you'll likely be served fragrant jasmine rice. But if you're enjoying a meal in the north, a basket of sticky rice will be right there with your food.
7 Thai Food Rice Dishes That Never Fail from Thai Style Fried Rice and Beyond
Thai cuisine is famous for its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors. While curries and stir-fries often get the spotlight, the true foundation of a Thai meal is rice. Rice is the heart of the Thai kitchen and one core ingredient in Thai cuisine. While many Thai dishes are served with a simple side of fluffy Thai jasmine rice, the country’s beloved Thai fried rice is a complete meal in itself. A good fried rice recipe is a staple, showcasing a perfect balance of flavors through a skilled stir fry technique.
These Thai-style rice dishes are common in Thailand and offer a delicious experience. They often start with leftover cooked rice, which is then tossed with a savory sauce and aromatic seasoning like garlic and onion, creating a meal that is both comforting and flavorful.
Savory & Flavorful Fried Rice Classics
Pineapple Fried Rice with Seafood
Why You Must Try It: This dish is a true feast, combining the sweet, tropical flavors of pineapple with savory seafood. The use of shrimp and other ingredients provides a great texture, while a rich soy sauce and fish sauce give it its irresistible flavor. It's a fantastic rice recipe that stands out with its unique taste.
Tom Yum Fried Rice with Prawns
Why You Must Try It: This dish transforms the bold, zesty flavors of Thailand's famous Tom Yum soup into a satisfying rice meal. The secret lies in using authentic spices like Thai chilies and Thai basil, creating a fiery, aromatic umami flavor that perfectly coats every grain of rice and succulent prawn.
Crabmeat Fried Rice with Crabmeat
Why You Must Try It: A classic Thai dish that highlights the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat. This simple yet elegant preparation is all about quality ingredients, seasoned lightly with fish sauce to let the crab's flavor truly shine. It's a comforting and popular dish, often served as a main rice instead of a side.
Olive Fried Rice with Sweet Chicken
Why You Must Try It: This dish offers a unique and savory flavor profile. The salty taste of fermented olives is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of tender chicken pieces. This harmonious blend creates a rich umami taste that makes it a favorite for those seeking a more complex and earthy flavor.
Delicious Plant-Based & Dessert Options
Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Why You Must Try It: This plant-based version proves that you don't need meat to create a spectacular fried rice. It expertly combines the sweet and tangy notes of pineapple with a mix of fresh vegetables and a vegan shrimp alternative, all seasoned with a savory sauce that makes it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Vegan Olive Fried Rice with Plant-Based Chicken & Egg
Why You Must Try It: This is a fulfilling plant-based alternative to the traditional olive fried rice. It uses vegan protein and egg to deliver the same rich flavor profile, proving that a great fried rice recipe can be adapted to any dietary preference.
Mango Sticky Rice (KhaoNiaoMamuang)
Why You Must Try It: No list of Thai rice dishes is complete without this iconic dessert. It is a heavenly blend of sweet, creamy coconut milk-infused sticky rice, which has a distinct sticky texture, served with ripe mango slices. It's a quintessential Thai dessert that is a flawless conclusion to any meal.
A Menu Guide to Thai-Style Fried Rice: All Available at Bangkok Jam Singapore
Located in the heart of the city at Great World City, Bangkok Jam is a top destination for authentic Thai cuisine. As a casual urban Thai restaurant, it offers diners a taste of true Thai flavors in a vibrant setting. All the food is handmade by Thai chefs, ensuring each dish captures the authentic taste and is true to the Thai style of cooking. With its fantastic food offered at affordable prices, it’s no wonder more and more diners are flocking to Bangkok Jam.
Also read:
Why Bangkok Jam's Rice Dishes Are a Must-Try
Bangkok Jam is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for authentic, high-quality Thai cuisine. Their rice dishes are a must-try for several key reasons:
Authentic Flavors and Cooking: The chefs at Bangkok Jam are dedicated to using traditional methods and fresh ingredients to ensure every dish delivers an authentic taste of Thailand. Their commitment to classic recipes is evident in the vibrant, balanced flavors that define true Thai cooking.
Handmade with Care: Each dish is prepared by hand by skilled Thai chefs, ensuring a level of quality and care that shines through in every plate. This artisanal approach preserves the integrity of the dishes and highlights the fresh ingredients.
Affordability: Despite the high quality and authentic preparation, the menu is priced affordably, making it accessible to a wide range of diners. This perfect combination of great taste and great value is a key reason for the restaurant's popularity.
Thai Rice Dishes Worth Every Bite
Thai rice dishes are more than side staples. They’re the heart of Thai dining. From fragrant jasmine rice paired with curries to sticky rice served with grilled meats, every grain tells a story of balance and flavor.
Ready to taste authentic Thai rice dishes made by skilled Thai chefs? Visit Bangkok Jam at Great World City and explore their full à la carte menu. From spicier stir-fried favorites to comforting sticky rice desserts, there’s something for every craving all at affordable prices.
Address: Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade #02-127 Singapore 237994