Satun:Khao Yam, a traditional rice salad from southern Thailand, is gaining popularity in Satun Province for its rich blend of herbs and its nutritional benefits. This local favorite is known for its higher vegetable content compared to rice, aligning with the preferences of health-conscious consumers today.
According to Thai News Agency, Khao Yam, also called Khao Yam Sao or Khao Yam Hua Kha, features cooked rice mixed with finely chopped herbs and roasted coconut, offering a spicy and fragrant taste. Satun's signature version, Khao Yam Kluk, combines ingredients like chili peppers, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves with toasted coconut and local vegetables. The dish is topped with a flavorful budu sauce and enhanced with mango or pomelo, making it suitable for any meal of the day.
Ms. Chutikan Chaingam, a seasoned vendor, has been selling this mixed rice salad for over a decade. She learned the recipe from a neighbor and perfected it over the years. Her unique fish sauce dip, simmered with various sugars and herbs, adds a distinctive aroma. The herbal rice salad is priced at 20 baht, while the mixed version costs 30 baht. In Khuan Don district, a shrimp paste chili sauce adds extra flavor.
The dish is available at Khao Bor Kha, Khuan Don District, on weekends, and at a nearby shop on weekdays, catering to both local residents and visitors. The emphasis on vegetables over rice has made it a popular choice among those mindful of their health.