Falling on the month of November each year on the western calendar, Loy Krathong is a great tradition of Thailand. This festival is a celebration of the Goddess of Water in which Thai people show gratitude with displays of decorated floral baskets released into rivers and lakes. Loy Krathong is also sometimes recognised as the Thai festival of light with people often lighting candles and lanterns in their floral rafts to create ‘floating lights’.
The name ‘krathong’, however, is actually derived from the small containers typically made from banana leaves which are fashioned together to hold traditional Thai dishes; and as with any major tradition or festival, food is of course a great way to enhance the celebrations.
In this blog we’re sharing some ideas to help you get into the festivities of Loy Krathong this year with the perfect traditional Thai dishes for the occasion; whether you want to enjoy them as stand alone recipes or as part of a buffet-banquet with friends and family!
Thai Golden Cups
Krathong Tong or Thai Golden Cups are the ultimate snack or appetisers for celebrating Loy Krathong. This dish features crispy pastry baskets filled with delicious minced chicken and vegetable filling and is in the shape of a flower, resembling the floral baskets used to light candles and lanterns. Traditionally these pastry cups are made from scratch and with flower moulds to get the perfect shape but there’s no harm in cutting corners and creating similar baskets shapes with wonton pastry in the oven!
Thai Beef Salad
When it comes to salads, Thai beef salad is a great option for a Loy Krathong menu not only for its refreshing sweet and sour flavour but also because steak is always a good idea when eating for a special occasion. Don’t be fooled by the title of ‘salad’, no Thai salad is ever as simple as mixed greens, rather the beef is quickly stir fried along with the vegetables (keeping them raw) and combined with aromatic seasonings. Overall, this is ideal for adding to a spread of food options to enjoy and share.
Chicken Satay
Thai satay chicken is another great dish choice to eat during Loy Krathong! Not only is it mouth-wateringly delicious with rich flavours and tender chicken, it also fit perfectly into Loy Krathong dining as an appetiser, stand-alone dish, side dish or even as a main meat with something more substantial. Like the beef salad or golden cups, this can also be added to a buffet menu.
Khao Soi
Can’t decide whether you want soup, curry or noodles? Khao Soi is the perfect dish to combine all of your cravings. With a soup-like consistency but still creamy and a slightly spicy taste, Khao Soi is a simple and light meal which means you will have plenty of space to enjoy other foods too, especially dessert!
Durian Sticky Rice
When it comes to dessert, nothing beats a classic coconut sticky rice dessert but for Loy Krathong we recommend swapping out the standard mango for something a little different with durian. If you didn’t already know, durian is considered the king of fruits (across the world) and there’s no better time than a festival like Loy Krathong to enjoy durian as a dessert with coconut sticky rice. For ease and convenience try out ready-made frozen durian with sticky rice dessert.
Tapioca Pudding
Another dessert option is a classic Thai tapioca pudding, a traditional sweet dessert in Thailand that is made with tapioca pearls and coconut milk. The easiest recipe of all our recommendations, this is great to prepare in bulk when eating with friends and family. Personalise the recipe with your favourite Thai flavours from jasmine essence to pandan, plus there’s the option to decorate the dessert with florals to fit the theme of the occasion.
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