The 5 best places to try khao chae in Chiang Mai

If you love a Bridgerton-style setting, you'll love khao chae at the Anantara. Swap the British afternoon tea for a Thai royal delicacy served riverside, with views of the Ping from a lush garden setting. Although given the heat, there’s also plenty of indoor seating to keep you cool. Outside, fans, umbrellas and the shade of a century-old bodhi tree means the heat won't get the better of you – and the khao chae will take care of the rest. True to their style, Anantara does traditional flavours with a creative twist – the fried sides are well thought out with fried pepper stuffed with meat and pork floss that adds the perfect bit of savouriness. The rice itself is a beautiful combination of jasmine and butterfly pea, making it as Instagram-ready as it is delicious. The water is delicate and aromatic and genuinely cools you down – that’s the whole purpose of the meal anyway, well before the luxuries of air conditioning. While you're there, don't skip the shaved ice watermelon dessert or their take on mayongchid – the currently in-season marian plum that’s sweet, sour and mango-like in texture. 

Available from March 15-May 15. Reserve a table here or call 053 253 333.

Anyone who likes good Thai food knows to visit Nara Thai Cuisine. They don’t  do things by halves either, and their khao chae is a great example of this – making a return every summer with more sides and a deeper story behind the dish. This year, the focus is on the rice itself, in collaboration with the Department of Rice Trade featuring ‘Pranee Rice variety KD 43’ – low in carbon and glycemic index, making it easier to digest and part of a wider campaign to support Thailand's rice farmers. The result is a dish that’s light, cool and comes with a whopping 14 side dishes, so turn up hungry, you’ll need the space.

Available from March 20-May 15. Reserve a table here or call 092 491 9744.

Seven consecutive Michelin Guide years and located in the heart of Nimman – Kiew Kai Ka doesn't play around when it comes to Thai food and their awards back them up. Their version of khao chae uses jasmine-scented water that is lightly candle-smoked, adding a subtle aromatic depth to the rice. The sides are traditional – fried shrimp paste balls and stuffed shallots – and the plate is decorated with flowers that lean into the colourful summer feel of the dish. Round out your meal with the sweet and refreshing watermelon with sweet dried fish and crispy shallot dip. This spot is all about traditional comfort food done thoughtfully and you can really taste that in every element of the dish.

Available from March 15-April 30. Call 091 074 0498 for the Nimman branch or 053 215 377 for the Jing Jai Market branch.

This spot, for the uninitiated, is exactly what it sounds like. Banana leaves overhead, mossy rocks, humid air and the feeling that you've somehow ended up in the middle of a jungle – except with nice tables, umbrellas and very good food. A setting unlike anything else in Chiang Mai makes this one of the most memorable ways to try khao chae for the first time. Their version features egg-wrapped fried peppers stuffed with meat and fresh vegetables carved into shapes almost too beautiful to eat. They also recommend pairing with the watermelon and sweet dried fish – a combination that keeps coming up for good reason. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

Available all year round. Call 063 665 5838 to book.

Malao Malao translates to ‘spectacularly beautiful’ in Thai – and this Ping riverside restaurant really fits the bill. Known locally for exceptional traditional Thai food with seasonal twists, they pride themselves on fresh ingredients and recipes rooted in Thai tradition. Both alfresco and indoor dining are available, making it a good shout whatever the weather. Their khao chae lives up to the name – presented on a traditional Thai tray with golden details and floral touches that make it almost too beautiful to consume. Almost.

Available all year round. Call a day ahead of your visit to order the set at 094 449 1097.