“Khao Gaeng” Thai Curry Rice Championship 2025 to Showcase Thai Cuisine
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its partners will host the “Khao Gaeng” Thai Curry Rice Championship 2025 from October 17 to 19 at Phenix Pratunam in Bangkok. This three-day event will celebrate Thailand’s curry rice, highlighting it as a key element of the nation’s culinary identity and a popular dish among visitors.
Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Khao Gaeng, or Thai curry rice, is more than a quick meal. It embodies the diversity of Thai cuisine, with each region offering its own flavours, and is a dish travellers encounter everywhere in Thailand. Affordable and accessible to all, curry rice reflects local culture, with several restaurants even recognised in the Michelin Guide. TAT is committed to positioning it as a must-taste Thai experience for visitors worldwide.”
TAT organizes the competition in collaboration with the Thai Restaurant Association, Phenix Pratunam, food delivery platforms LINE MAN Wongnai, Grab, and Robinhood, as well as KaichefHouse, GlongSaenSuk, The Amatatian Restaurant, Suan Dusit University, and other partners.
Approximately 30 curry rice vendors from across Thailand, including street food stalls and restaurant chains, will compete in this event. To participate, contestants must have been in operation for at least one year. They will be judged based on taste, quality, creativity, and hygiene. Featured dishes include green curry with chicken (kaeng khiao wan gai), coconut chicken soup (tom kha gai), beef panaeng curry, five-spice egg and pork belly stew (kai palo), and shrimp paste chili dip (nam prik kapi).
Winners will receive cash prizes, with the champion awarded 100,000 Baht, a trophy, a certificate, and the title of Professional Thai Curry Rice Champion. Runners-up will receive cash prizes ranging from 50,000 Baht to 10,000 Baht, in addition to plaques and certificates. Other awards include sales support packages and promotional opportunities from food delivery platforms, which aim to assist small businesses and promote Thai culinary heritage.
Phenix Pratunam is positioned as a culinary destination for both local and international visitors, offering a dedicated Taste Kitchen and a wholesale food hub. Partners such as Grab, LINE MAN Wongnai, and Robinhood will support the event with campaigns, promotions, and incentives.
The Khao Gaeng Championship plays a significant role in enhancing Thailand’s culinary reputation worldwide. This event builds on the country’s recognition from UNESCO, particularly through dishes like Tom Yum Kung that are on its cultural heritage list, as well as Michelin-recognized restaurants and various regional specialties. The championship emphasizes the importance of Thai cuisine in shaping the visitor experience in Thailand.
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