Shrimp paste fried rice with assorted toppings
Khao Kluk Kapi is a fried rice flavored with shrimp paste (kapi), served with a colorful assortment of toppings: sweet pork, omelette strips, dried shrimp, fried shallots, green chilies, sliced green mango and long beans. Each bite combines the fragrant rice with different toppings, creating a mix of flavors and textures. The kapi gives the rice a deep umami flavor and characteristic pinkish color.
Khao Kluk Kapi is a dish from Thai royal cuisine that has become democratized. Shrimp paste (kapi) has been a fundamental condiment in Thai cooking for centuries. This dish is an excellent example of the complexity of Thai cuisine, where each element is prepared separately then assembled to create a harmony of flavors.