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Kai Palo — traditional dish from Koh Samui, Thailand
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥620kcal
💪50gProtein
🌾22gCarbs
🥑40gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️400 gServing

* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.

Allergens

🫘 Soy 🥚 Eggs

Kai Palo

How to order / say it
Say it ไข่พะโล้ — [Kai Pā-loh]
Order I'd like to order Kai Palo.
Locally ขอไข่พะโล้หน่อยค่ะ/ครับ
Say locally

A savory-sweet stew with pork and eggs.

Why try it?

Kai Palo represents the Thai-Chinese community's influence on Koh Samui, blending sweet and rich flavors with spice nuances. It's a comforting dish revealing the island's cultural layers.

How it tastes

Rich with the essence of soy and five-spice, the dish offers soft-boiled eggs and tender pork belly in a sweet, aromatic broth.

Origin & History — first documented: 1910

Introduced by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century, Kai Palo adapted local flavors over decades, becoming a favorite in Koh Samui households and festive occasions.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 300 g pork belly
  • 🥚 4 pieces boiled eggs
  • 🧂 3 g five-spice powder
  • 🥣 50 ml soy sauce
  • 🥣 20 ml dark soy sauce
  • 🧄 10 g garlic
  • 🍯 30 g palm sugar

Method

  1. 1 Brown the pork belly in a pot.
  2. 2 Add garlic and five-spice powder, stirring for aroma.
  3. 3 Stir in soy sauces and palm sugar, then add water.
  4. 4 Simmer until pork is tender, then add boiled eggs.
  5. 5 Continue cooking until flavors meld and serve warm.

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All Asia recipes — Thailand — Koh Samui — Kai Palo
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