rice
Khao Mok Gai
ข้าวหมกไก่
Medium-Mild
Khao Mok Gai is Thai chicken biryani — fragrant spiced rice cooked with bone-in chicken and served with a yellow-green cucumber dipping sauce and crispy shallots.
Cultural Origin
Khao Mok Gai is a Thai-Muslim biryani-style chicken-and-rice dish brought to Thailand by South Asian and Malay Muslim traders centuries ago. It is strongly associated with the Thai-Muslim communities of Bangkok, the southern provinces, and the old Cham and Indian quarters, and is a staple at halal restaurants and during Eid.
Regional Variants
| Region | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Central | Bangkok Thai-Muslim versions use turmeric-scented basmati or jasmine rice with mild fried-shallot garnish and a tangy green dipping sauce. |
| Southern | Southern versions tend to be more heavily spiced with cardamom, cloves, and stronger curry notes reflecting Malay-Indian influence. |
Allergens & Sensitivities
garliconioncilantro
Key Ingredients
- jasmine rice
- bone-in chicken
- turmeric
- cumin
- coriander
Where to Try It
Muslim Thai restaurants in Bangkok's Bang Rak district and southern Thailand.
Tips
- The accompanying cucumber sauce (ajad) is essential — don't eat it without the cooling, tangy dip.