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Larb Kua Kai — traditional dish from Chiang Mai, Thailand
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥450kcal
💪36gProtein
🌾12gCarbs
🥑28gFat
🌿3gFibre
⚖️250 gServing

* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.

Larb Kua Kai

How to order / say it
Say it ลาบคั่วไก่ — [lap khwa kai]
Order I'd like the Larb Kua Kai, please.
Locally ขอลาบคั่วไก่ครับ/ค่ะ
Say locally

A spicy mixed herb and minced chicken dish.

Why try it?

Larb Kua Kai is a cornerstone of shared meals in Chiang Mai, offering a spicy harmony of herbs and meat. It highlights the importance of texture and seasoning in Northeastern Thai culinary tradition.

How it tastes

The dish is intensely aromatic with crunchy roasted rice and a fiery blend of chilies, complemented by the refreshing notes of mint and coriander. Each mouthful delivers a spicy-savory punch that describes Northern Thai tastes.

Origin & History — first documented: 1890

Dating back to at least the late 19th century, Larb Kua Kai originated as a regional specialty in Northern Thailand, leveraging local herbs. Its preservation as a community recipe emphasizes cultural pride in regional flavors and techniques.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 300 g minced chicken
  • 🧄 50 g shallots
  • 🌾 30 g roasted rice powder
  • 🌿 10 g mint leaves
  • 🥣 30 ml fish sauce
  • 🍋 30 ml lime juice
  • 🧂 20 g chilies

Method

  1. 1 Toast rice until golden, then grind into powder.
  2. 2 Stir fry minced chicken with fish sauce and lime juice.
  3. 3 Combine chicken with rice powder, shallots, and chilies.
  4. 4 Garnish with mint leaves, serve warm.

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All Asia recipes — Thailand — Chiang Mai — Larb Kua Kai
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