Khao Yum {Thai Rainbow Salad}

We are excited to present our Vegan Khao Yum recipe, a vibrant, nourishing, and delicious dish. In this plant-based rendition, we showcase aromatic blue rice, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and a tangy Budu dressing. This magnificent Southern Thai Rainbow Rice Salad is a visual masterpiece that also offers a wholesome and fulfilling culinary experience, combining the finest elements of Thai cuisine.

History of the khai yum 

Khao Yum is a popular dish from Southern Thailand, known for its diverse range of flavors and textures.

Legend has it that Khao yam was born out of a request by the ruler of a southern Thai region, who sought a concoction that would blend all the nutritious elements available at that time onto a single plate.

A skilled doctor took up the challenge and crafted what we now know as the rice salad. Central to this creation was the inclusion of Indian mulberry, a tree often found near the residences of esteemed individuals in the community.

While some claim Khao yam's origins lie in the Malay culinary tradition, owing to the historical connection between Thailand's southernmost provinces (Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala) and the former Sultanate of Pattani, which encompassed present-day Kelantan in Northeastern Malaysia.

Recreating Khao yam can prove daunting due to its astonishing variety of ingredients, many of which are unique to the region. Nonetheless, Thai cooks assert that like numerous other Thai dishes, Khao yam's essence lies in its adaptability.

It can be prepared with whatever fresh ingredients are available, as long as they complement its tangy, savory, and herbal character.

See what The Michelin Guide says about Khao Yum Salad

Ingredients you will need for khao yum 

Blue Rice

• Jasmine Rice 
• Butterfly pea flowers 
• Water (for soaking Butterfly Peas and cooking rice) 

Budu Dressing

• Vegan Anchovy Sauce or Soy Sauce 
• Fermented Soy Bean Paste or Miso Paste 
• Crushed Lemongrass (cut into large chunks) 
• Shallots 
• Galangal (cut into large chunks) 
• Tamarind Juice 
• Coconut Palm Sugar 
• Water 
• Kaffir Lime Leaves 
• Lime Juice 

Khao Yum

• Cooked Rice (from the above ingredients) 
• Pomelo 
• Edible Flowers 
• Betel Leaves (sliced) 
• Lotus Flowers 
• Mung Beans 
• Carrot 
• Mango 
• Green Beans 
• Roasted Coconut Flakes 
• Black Sesame Seeds 
• White Sesame Seeds 
• Kaffir Lime Leaves
• Purple Cabbage 
• Chili Flakes 

Equipment you will need

• Pot for cooking rice 
• Small saucepan 
• Mortar and pestle
• Mixing bowl and whisk
• Chopping board, peeler, and a good chef's knife
• Large plate for plating the salad 

How to make vegan khao yum

Blue Rice

• Soak butterfly pea flowers in the measured water and leave for 10 minutes so the color leaks out from the flowers.
• Wash and rinse jasmine rice, cook with butterfly pea flowers, and set aside.

Budu Dressing

• Mix soybean paste, vegan anchovy paste, and water very well
• Add to the pot on low heat and cook until boil.
• When the sauce started to boil add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and shallots.
• Simmer for 5-8 minutes.
• Flavor with coconut palm sugar, tamarind juice, and lime.
• Adjust the flavor to your preference, make sure it is salty, sweet, and sour. The sauce should taste strong,
• When the sauce is ready, drain the sauce and set aside.

Khao Yum

• Wash and dry all vegetables.
• Julienne green mango and carrot.
• Finely sliced purple cabbage, betel leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.
• Blanch Pakria in salt water to reduce the bitterness.
• Tear pomelo into small pieces.
• Tear lotus flowers and wash the lotus petals and dry them immediately.
• Dice green beans into small bites.
• Toast black and white sesame seeds and then grind them in the mortar and pestle.
• Toasted cashew nuts until golden brown.
• Plate up the rice, vegetables, herbs, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and chili flakes onto a large plate.
• Pour the sauce into a small bowl and serve on the side.

What to serve with khao yum

Vegan Khao Yum is a complete meal, bursting with flavors and textures. However, you can complement it with some other Thai vegan dishes such as Tom Kha Soup, Pomelo Salad, or Green Papaya Salad for a truly authentic and satisfying Thai feast. 

More Thai vegan recipes to try

• Thai Green Curry 
• Thai Red Curry
• Vegan Crab Curry
• Vegan Tom Yum Coconut Soup
• Vegan Tom Yum Mushroom Soup
• Burmese Tea Leaf Salad
• Som Tum Salad
• Pomelo Salad

If you decide to give this recipe a try, we'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Your recreations bring us great joy, and we can't wait to see your culinary adventures. Happy cooking friends!

📋 Recipe