Koh Lanta flavors
Khao Mok Gai (Thai Muslim Biryani)
The Thai-Muslim take on biryani — chicken and rice cooked together with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon until golden and fragrant, served with fried shallots, a sweet-and-sour green dipping sauce, and a light clear soup. A staple of the island's Muslim community.
About this dish
Khao mok gai is Thailand's version of biryani, carried into the South by Muslim communities with roots in the Indian subcontinent and the Malay Peninsula, and on Koh Lanta it is a staple of the island's many Muslim households and market stalls. Chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon, then cooked together with the rice so the grains absorb the spiced, golden-yellow stock and the meat turns meltingly tender. It is served crowned with crisp fried shallots and accompanied by two essentials: a bright, sweet-and-sour green dipping sauce of chilli, mint or coriander, vinegar, and sugar that cuts the richness, and a small bowl of clear, light soup. Mild, aromatic, and comforting rather than spicy, khao mok gai is the dish to seek out around the mosque at Ban Khlong Tob and the island's halal eateries — an everyday taste of Koh Lanta's living Muslim food culture.
Allergen information
Preparation methods may vary by restaurant. Always confirm with staff if you have severe allergies.