Rice Dishes

Rice is the foundation of Thai cuisine. And while for family meals we usually eat plain jasmine rice with many dishes shared from the centre of the table, when we're out and about and in need of a quick meal, we often have rice-based dishes that are a complete meal in itself, not meant to be shared.

These rice dishes belong to a category of dishes that what we call ahaan jaan diew or "single dish meal," to contrast it against dishes that are meant to be served family style.

Here are a few classics to start you off:

• Classic Hainanese Chicken Rice (khao mun gai). This is the epitome of Thai street food. It doesn't look super exciting, but there's a reason why many Thai people can live off of it, myself included! The classic version takes time as it poaches a whole chicken, for a weeknight meal, try this quick and easy Hainanese chicken rice recipe.
• Crab Fried Rice. If I had to choose 1 type of fried rice to represent Thai cuisine, this would be it. Despite the pricey protein, it's the most common and most popular type of fried rice. It's also super quick and easy!
• Shrimp Paste Fried Rice (khao kluk gapi). If you consider yourself an adventurous eater, this is a must-try. It is probably my personal favourite rice dishes, which is saying a lot. Umami fried rice tossed with caramel pork and tons of veg. It is an explosion of flavours and textures in ways you've never experienced before!