Khao Tom, or Rice Porridge for Breakfast in Bangkok, Thailand

Khao Tom, or Rice Porridge for Breakfast

by Chok Dee Dim Sum, Bangkok, Thailand

It was an early morning in Bangkok, Thailand, and I was in the mood for a good local breakfast.

One of my favorite breakfast dishes in Thailand is a simple rice porridge, and the khao tom at Chok Dee Dim Sum just down the road from MRT Lad Phrao Station is an excellent place for an excellent serving.

Open 24 hours a day, Chok Dee, whose name means "good luck" in Thai, serves up an array of delectable Thai-Chinese dumplings on their expansive menu. They also serve an all-day breakfast, which is why I found myself opening the doors to the comfortable dining room around 10 am one Saturday morning.

khao tom, or Thai rice porridge with pork and garlic, Bangkok, Thailand

I ordered a bowl of Chok Dee's khao tom, or boiled rice, a classic Thai breakfast dish that differs from the congee-style jok that is also eaten throughout the country.

Jok, also known as congee, is a type of rice porridge that originated in China but has been adapted into Thai cuisine. It is typically made by boiling rice in a large amount of water until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. It's typically eaten for breakfast.

Read more:

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• McD Porridge (Jok Gai, or Breakfast Rice Porridge with Fried Chicken) from McDonald's Thailand
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khao tom for breakfast by Chok Dee Dim Sum, Bangkok, Thailand

On the other hand, khao tom, sometimes referred to as Thai rice soup, is a savory rice soup that is also popular in Thai cuisine. Unlike jok, which is cooked until the rice grains break down completely, khao tom typically uses whole or partially broken rice grains, giving the soup a thicker texture. It is often made with a broth base, which can be flavored with ingredients such as garlic, shallots, and lemongrass. Common additions to khao tom include pork balls, green onion, and fried garlic. Khao tom is versatile and can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack throughout the day.

My bowl of khao tom came with a delicious and savory serving of pork balls and garlic. The broth was savory and delicious. The meal was served with a big pot of hot green Chinese tea.

rice porridge and green tea for breakfast, Bangkok, Thailand

More amazing breakfast in Bangkok

• On Lok Yun: Classic Thai-Style Breakfast in Bangkok
• Jok, or Thai Rice Porridge in Bangkok, Thailand
• "CrackGriddle" Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Pancake Breakfast Sandwich, Bangkok, Thailand 

Location

Chok Dee Dim Sum has a few branches in Bangkok. I had breakfast at the branch on Ladphrao soi 24, just outside of Lat Prao MRT station. Ladphrao Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900.

The restaurant is open 24 hours.