Khao Mok Gai, or Southern Fried Chicken with Turmeric Rice

Khao Mok Gai, or Southern Fried Chicken with Turmeric Rice

at Luang Perm Market, Bangkok, Thailand

While khao mok gai is usually made with grilled or Hat Yai-style fried chicken (marinaded but not breaded), you can also get this delicious southern Thai biryani with crispy deep-fried chicken as well. I ordered a huge plate of golden turmeric rice served with crispy deep-fried chicken and topped with fried shallots and a sweet chili sauce.

Southern Thai-style fried chicken biryani with turmeric rice and fried shallots, Bangkok, Thailand
Southern Thai-style fried chicken biryani with turmeric rice and fried shallots, Bangkok, Thailand

This filling Thai-Muslim dish originated in the south of Thailand, but you can find it all throughout the country, and for good reason - it's one of Thailand's most delicious, hearty, and filling meals. 

The yellow rice is cooked with turmeric in a huge pot and is kept hot all throughout the day. When you place your order, they take a big scoop right out of the pot for you, so it's always hot and fresh. The rice has a sweet curry flavor.

Southern Thai-style chicken biryani restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand
Southern Thai-style chicken biryani restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand

I was really impressed with the portion of chicken. It seemed like an entire large chicken thigh! The chicken was battered and deep-fried until very crispy on the outside, but the inside was still soft, juicy, and tender. It was topped with crispy fried shallots and an optional (but in my opinion, necessary!) sweet chili sauce (don't worry - it's not spicy at all!). The dish is served with a portion of sliced cucumber on the side.

Each order also comes with a small bowl of soup made from chicken broth with small slices of green onion and large cubes of simmered radish. It's a salty, savory, and light way to end the meal.

khao mok gai, or Thai chicken biryani in Bangkok, Thailand
khao mok gai, or Thai chicken biryani in Bangkok, Thailand

Although the menu is written in Thai, the staff can speak English, making this an easy meal to order even if you are a tourist!

Besides the fried chicken with rice, they also serve other types of chicken biryani as well as fresh salads. You can either order the dishes to eat at the market (there is plenty of seating available), or have it packed in a box to take back home.

fried and roasted chicken yellow rice biryani rice shop in Bangkok, Thailand
fried and roasted chicken yellow rice biryani rice shop in Bangkok, Thailand

Dietary Notes

حلال halal

Price

This huge portion cost only 40 baht, which is an incredible deal! I almost couldn't believe how cheap my lunch was.

Location

Talad Luang Perm, or Uncle Perm Market is located at 224 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 in BKK. It's a short walk or taxi ride from BTS Ha Yaek Ladphrao or MRT Phahonyothin Station. The market is a very traditional local-style Thai neighborhood market with lots of delicious food available.

Some other great dishes you can get here include:

Comments