Foreigner FriendlyYes
✗VegetarianAdventurous
Spice Level
Price Range60-100 THB
About This Dish
Whole chicken cured with coarse salt and Thai herbs, then steamed or boiled until the meat absorbs the seasoning deep into every fiber. The result is intensely savory chicken with a silky texture, served with a spicy jaew dipping sauce that cuts through the saltiness.
Flavor Profile
The balance of tastes in this dish
Sweet1/5
Sour1/5
Salty2/5
Spicy2/5
Umami2/5
History & Origin
Salted chicken is a preservation technique from rural Isan, where salt kept meat edible in the tropical heat before refrigeration, evolving into a beloved dish.
Best Time to Eat
Perfect Pairings
Sticky riceSpicy jaew sauce
Insider Tips
- 1The chicken is intentionally salty -- always eat it with rice and dipping sauce
- 2Best at Isan restaurants that prepare it fresh daily
How to Order
Point and say this to order like a local
Pronunciation:gai kem
ไก่เค็ม
Say this: Kai Kem (Isan Salted Chicken)
Cuisine Region: Isan (Northeastern)
Price Range: 60-100 THB
Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
Where to Try It
The best city to experience this dish
Ubon Ratchathani
The best city to experience this dish
More from Isan (Northeastern)
Other dishes from the same region
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