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Northern Thai Curry with Jackfruit — traditional dish from Chiang Mai, Thailand
Main course Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥325kcal
💪10gProtein
🌾55gCarbs
🥑12gFat
🌿8gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Northern Thai Curry with Jackfruit

How to order / say it
Say it แกงขนุน — [keng ka-noon]
Order I'd like the Kaeng Khanun, please.
Locally ขอแกงขนุนหนึ่งที่ครับ/ค่ะ
Say locally

A rich and spicy curry made with unripe jackfruit.

Why try it?

Kaeng Khanun represents the vegetarian side of Northern Thai cuisine, making use of the region's abundant produce. Its hearty nature showcases the adaptability and resourcefulness of local cooking traditions.

How it tastes

The curry bursts with spicy and earthy aromas from the blend of traditional herbs and spices. The jackfruit mimics the texture of tender meat, absorbing the rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness.

Origin & History — first documented: 1920

Originating in the rural areas surrounding Chiang Mai in the early 20th century, Kaeng Khanun was developed as a nutritious staple using locally available ingredients. It soon became a regional favorite at communal gatherings.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥕 400 g unripe jackfruit
  • 🥛 300 ml coconut milk
  • 🧂 50 g red curry paste
  • 🥕 100 g bamboo shoots
  • 🥣 30 ml fish sauce
  • 🌿 20 g holy basil
  • 🧄 15 g garlic

Method

  1. 1 Fry curry paste in a pot until aromatic.
  2. 2 Add jackfruit and bamboo shoots, stirring to coat.
  3. 3 Pour in coconut milk and simmer until vegetables are tender.

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All Asia recipes — Thailand — Chiang Mai — Northern Thai Curry with Jackfruit
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