Khao kha mu
In its own language: ข้าวขาหมู
Stewed pork knuckle served over rice with pickles, egg, and spicy sauce
Khao kha mu is a Thai dish of stewed pork knuckle sliced and served on steamed rice. It comes with pickled mustard greens, half a spiced egg, and often Chinese broccoli, with a tangy chili-garlic sauce on the side. This meal is found everywhere in Thailand, from street stalls to restaurants.
- Stewed pork knuckle is sliced and served over rice
- Comes with pickled mustard greens and half a spiced egg
- A spicy, tangy chili-garlic sauce is served on the side
- Popular at street stalls and restaurants across Thailand
- Bang Rak's khao kha mu earned Michelin Bib Gourmand awards
What is Khao kha mu?
Khao kha mu is a plate of stewed pork knuckle, sliced and laid over steamed rice. The pork is cooked until tender in a rich, dark broth, sometimes with cocoa powder or peanuts for extra depth. On the side, you get pickled mustard greens, half of a spiced egg, and sometimes blanched Chinese broccoli. Fresh bird's-eye chilies and garlic are served alongside, plus a sharp, spicy dipping sauce. The dish is hearty and savory, with tangy and spicy notes from the pickles and sauce.
Where does Khao kha mu come from?
This dish comes from Thailand and shows strong influence from Chinese, especially Teochew, cooking. The name means 'rice with pork leg'. It became popular as a street food and is now found everywhere from simple stalls to upscale restaurants. Bangkok is known for its many khao kha mu spots, and one in Bang Rak has been recognized by the Michelin Guide. The dish reflects the blend of Thai and Chinese food traditions.
How is Khao kha mu made?
To make khao kha mu, pork knuckle is simmered in a seasoned broth until soft. Some versions add cocoa powder or boiled peanuts to the stew. The meat is sliced and laid over steamed rice. It is topped with pickled mustard greens and half a spiced egg. Blanched Chinese broccoli may be added. The plate comes with fresh bird's-eye chilies and garlic, and a dipping sauce made from yellow chili, garlic, salt, lime, and vinegar.
How and when is Khao kha mu eaten?
Khao kha mu is served hot, usually as a lunch or dinner meal. It is eaten as a single plate, often with a spoon and fork. The dish is common at street stalls, food courts, and restaurants across Thailand. Some people enjoy it with a side of clear broth. The pickles and spicy sauce let you adjust the taste to your liking, adding sourness or heat as you eat.
Kinds of Khao kha mu
Some cooks add cocoa powder or boiled peanuts to the pork stew for a different flavor. The vegetables on the side can vary, with Chinese broccoli sometimes included. The dipping sauce may change in heat or sourness depending on the cook. While the basic elements stay the same, each vendor or region may have its own twist.
What Khao kha mu means
Khao kha mu is part of everyday eating in Thailand, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It is especially popular as street food and is easy to find in Bangkok, where some neighborhoods are known for their khao kha mu stalls. The dish has also been recognized by food guides, with a Bang Rak restaurant earning Michelin Bib Gourmand awards.
Questions people ask about Khao kha mu
What is khao kha mu made of?
It is made from stewed pork knuckle, steamed rice, pickled mustard greens, half a spiced egg, and sometimes Chinese broccoli, served with a spicy chili-garlic sauce.
Where does khao kha mu come from?
Khao kha mu comes from Thailand and is influenced by Chinese, especially Teochew, cuisine. It is a common dish found throughout the country.
How is khao kha mu served?
It is served hot, with slices of pork knuckle over rice, pickles, egg, and fresh chilies and garlic, plus a tangy dipping sauce. Sometimes a clear broth is served on the side.
Is khao kha mu a street food?
Yes, it is widely available at street stalls, but you can also find it in food courts and restaurants, including some that have received Michelin recognition.
Does khao kha mu contain meat?
Yes, the main ingredient is pork knuckle, so it is a meat dish.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Khao kha mu", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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