Pineapple in savoury food is a never-ending argument. Some agree that pineapple belongs in Pizza for example and others don’t.
Either you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure – the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice will eliminate any doubts you have about pineapple belonging in a savoury dish.
Imagine getting a hint of fresh sweetness from the pineapple every time you take a mouthful of fried rice. We don’t know about you, but to us, that’s like taking a sip of Pina Colada in the pristine beaches of Thailand – it’s a dish that will take you on holiday.
What’s in the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
The Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is a classic combination of fried rice made with fish sauce, pineapple chunks, cashew nuts, raisins and a touch of curry powder.
Some hawker stalls in Thailand would serve it on a plate hot from the wok, but some would serve it in the pineapple itself, making it a sight to see and a taste to remember.
Depending on the restaurant or the customers, it is also fried with shrimp or chicken. Those who are vegetarian can also request to substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce instead.
The Story behind the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
More commonly known to the locals as Khao Pad Sapparot, the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is an excellent example of Chinese influence in Thai cuisine.
Thailand cooking gets a lot of influence from China due to the migration of people from the Southern Chinese provinces to Thailand many centuries ago. The Chinese immigrants brought their Szechuan influences with them by introducing Chinese cooking techniques using local ingredients.
It is said that one of the first dishes introduced to the local Thais by the Chinese immigrant was the kuaitiao rat na (fried rice-noodles) and the khao kha mu (stewed pork with rice) in the early 18th century.
In the early 1500s, the Portuguese first arrived in the court of Ayutthaya for a diplomatic mission. They brought with them Western influences into Thai dining.
During the 17th century, the Portuguese and Spanish ships started bringing in goods from America which included pineapples, cashews and peanuts – the three main ingredients used in the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice.
In the modern world, the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice is seen as a magnificent dish unique to the people of Thailand, shared with the world.
Nutrition Content in Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
A typical serving of the pineapple fried rice contains about 229 calories. As you would already know, fried rice is a good source of carbohydrate, which is essential for energy.
The pineapple, on the other hand, is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin C and enzymes that can help you with digestion. Pineapple can also help improve recovery after a hard workout and reduce the risk of cancer.
The cashew nuts, also in the dish, contain a high level of magnesium that is good for bones support and protections against high blood pressure.
Where to get the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice in KL
If you’re ready for an authentic Thai experience and of course, pineapple in your fried rice, head over to STREAT Thai located in Bangsar South and Jaya One and get your hands on their Pineapple Fried Rice for only RM10.49.
If you’re looking to be served a giant pineapple, head to Baan 26 in Bukit Bintang and order their Thai Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp instead. The authenticity of the dish and the burst of zestiness from the pineapple will not disappoint.
Visit foodpanda to learn more about Thai dishes around you.