Khao Chae

Khao Chae is a food that comes from Mon people originally. Mon people called it “Poeng Dat” in which “Poeng” means “rice” and “Dat” means “water.” Therefore, “Poeng Dat” means “rice in water.” It is popularly made as an offer to the deities during Songkran Festival. Khao Chae is offered to monks and respected elders for fortune. Khao Chae is made once a year, only in Songkran Festival. Therefore, Khao Chae can be called “Khao Songkran” or as Mon people call it: “Poeng Sakran.” When Mon people migrated into Thailand, they brought the tradition of Khao Chae to Thailand with them so that Thai people would know about Khao Chae. Khao Chae was brought as food for the royals when a Mon lady served under the King as the King’s concubine. She made Khao Chae as an offering. Later, M.L. Nueang Ninrat, who used to work in the kitchen of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), brought Khao Chae to the market. Therefore, Khao Chae has received popularity until present. The Khao Chae that we are familiar with are Khao Chae Sawoei, Khao Chae Chao Wang, and Khao Chae Mueang Phet, all of which were derived from Khao Chae Chao Mon.