Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Khon Kaen, Thailand, Khon Kaen, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Thailand

1. Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao

A traditional Khon Kaen breakfast dish made of sticky rice served with spicy pork gravy and pickled papaya. Try it at 'Khun Yai Khanom Jeen' in Talat Kao market.
  • Authentic Flavor: Experience the original flavor of this dish, unlike versions found elsewhere.
  • Early Morning Delight: Savor Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao for breakfast, a popular tradition in Khon Kaen.
  • Local Market Experience: Enjoy the dish at Talat Kao market, immersing yourself in local culture.

2. Kai Yang Isaan

Grilled chicken marinated in a mix of spices and herbs, served with sticky rice, papaya salad, and other sides. Don't miss it at 'Sang Kwam' restaurant.
  • Unique Marinade: Taste the distinctive marinade that gives this dish its aromatic flavor.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a laid-back, traditional Thai restaurant setting.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Savor the quality of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

3. Larb Ped

Minced meat salad with herbs, spices, and toasted rice powder. Try the famous version at 'Aroy Kai Thong' restaurant.
  • Spicy Flavor: Experience the unique blend of spices that defines this dish.
  • Traditional Recipe: Savor the authentic, traditional version of Larb Ped.
  • Restaurant Reputation: Dine at a popular and well-regarded restaurant known for its delicious food.

4. Sai Ua

Spicy Northern Thai sausage made with ground pork, galangal, and lemongrass. Try it at the local market or 'Khun Kae' restaurant.
  • Flavorful Sausage: Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of this unique sausage.
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy the dish at local markets for an authentic street food experience.
  • Versatile Dish: Try Sai Ua in various ways, such as grilled or simmered in a curry.

5. Naam Phrik Ong

Spicy shrimp paste dip served with fresh vegetables. Sample it at 'Pa Daeng' restaurant.
  • Spicy Flavor: Experience the fiery, tangy flavor of this dish.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Savor the quality of fresh seafood and vegetables.
  • Local Restaurant: Dine at a local, family-run restaurant.

6. Tam Pla Salad

Fermented fish salad with vegetables and sticky rice. Try it at 'Khun Yai Tam Pla' in Talat Kao market.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the unique, tangy taste of this fermented fish salad.
  • Early Morning Delight: Savor Tam Pla Salad for breakfast, a popular tradition in Khon Kaen.
  • Local Market Experience: Enjoy the dish at Talat Kao market, immersing yourself in local culture.

7. Bamee Nam Kok

Boat noodles made with dark broth and pork or beef. Try it at 'Aroy Bamee Nam Kok' restaurant.
  • Dark Broth Flavor: Taste the distinctive, rich dark broth of this dish.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a laid-back, street food restaurant setting.
  • Traditional Recipe: Savor the authentic, traditional version of Bamee Nam Kok.

8. Som Tum Thurang

Papaya salad with sticky rice and crab. Try it at 'Aroy Som Tum' restaurant.
  • Crab Addition: Enjoy the unique texture and flavor of crab in your papaya salad.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Savor your meal in a laid-back, traditional Thai restaurant setting.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Taste the quality of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

9. Gai Tod Khao Niew

Crispy fried chicken served with sticky rice. Try it at 'Sang Kwam' restaurant.
  • Crispy Texture: Experience the satisfying crunch of the fried chicken.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a laid-back, traditional Thai restaurant setting.
  • Versatile Dish: Try Gai Tod Khao Niew as a lunch or dinner option.

10. Khao Khluk Kapi

Steamed rice with shrimp paste and fried shallots. Try it at 'Pa Daeng' restaurant.
  • Fragrant Flavor: Savor the rich, aromatic flavor of this dish.
  • Family-Run Restaurant: Dine at a family-run restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
  • Traditional Recipe: Experience the authentic, traditional version of Khao Khluk Kapi.

11. Kai Kluk Wan Krob

Crispy fried chicken in a sweet and sour sauce. Try it at 'Sang Kwam' restaurant.
  • Crispy Texture: Experience the satisfying crunch of the fried chicken.
  • Sweet and Sour Flavor: Enjoy the unique blend of sweet and sour flavors in this dish.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Savor your meal in a laid-back, traditional Thai restaurant setting.

12. Khao Soi Khun Yai

Northern Thai curry noodle soup. Try it at 'Khun Yai' restaurant.
  • Creamy Curry: Experience the rich, creamy curry of this dish.
  • Traditional Recipe: Savor the authentic, traditional version of Khao Soi.
  • Restaurant Reputation: Dine at a popular and well-regarded restaurant known for its delicious food.

13. Khao Niew Mamuang Khlaem

Mango sticky rice served with salted coconut cream. Try it at 'Aroy Bamee Nam Kok' restaurant.
  • Sweet Flavor: Enjoy the sweet, slightly tangy flavor of ripe mangoes.
  • Creamy Topping: Taste the unique, salted coconut cream topping.
  • Dessert Option: End your meal with a sweet treat.

14. Naam Phrik Ong Hoy Tod

Shrimp and omelette dish served with spicy shrimp paste dip. Try it at 'Pa Daeng' restaurant.
  • Spicy Flavor: Experience the fiery, tangy flavor of this dish.
  • Creative Dish: Enjoy a unique combination of shrimp and omelette in one dish.
  • Family-Run Restaurant: Dine at a family-run restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

15. Som Tum Tham Sab

Papaya salad with fermented fish and peanuts. Try it at 'Aroy Som Tum' restaurant.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the tangy, slightly sour flavor of this dish.
  • Crunchy Texture: Enjoy the crunch of peanuts and fresh vegetables in this salad.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Savor your meal in a laid-back, traditional Thai restaurant setting.