Kratong Thong - A Must-Try Thai Savory Tart Recipe

Thai cuisine has always been about rich, umami flavors, exciting textures and exquisite presentations, even for the simplest of dishes. While dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry often steal the limelight, there’s a lesser-known gem that deserves just as much attention: Kratong Thong. Known as Golden Cups, these delicate, crispy savory tarts are a quintessential Thai snack with a history as rich as their flavor. Perfectly bite-sized and irresistibly crispy, you will keep coming back for more.In this blog, we will explore the fascinating history of Kratong Thong and also drop an easy recipe for these delicious Thai savory tarts you can make at home.

A Dish with Royal Beginnings

The story of Kratong Thong dates back to the era of King Rama V. This period was significant for its mix of Thai and Western influences in cuisine and culture. During this time, royal chefs began crafting dishes that not only tasted exquisite but also looked like works of art. Kratong Thong, with its dainty golden shell resembling a lotus cup, was born out of this tradition. Initially, these Thai savory tarts were a luxurious treat reserved for special occasions and the royal court. Over time, they became a beloved snack enjoyed by Thais across the country, ultimately evolving into a cultural icon.

Thai Savory Tart Recipe

The foundation of Kratong Thong is its crispy, golden shell. Achieving the perfect texture requires precision and a touch of patience. Here's a simple Thai savory tart recipe you can create at home:

Key Ingredients:

• Rice flour
• All-purpose flour
• Coconut milk
• Egg yolk
• A pinch of salt
• Cooking oil for frying

Step-by-Step Method:

1. Mixing the Ingredients: Begin by sifting rice flour and all-purpose flour into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and combine with coconut milk and egg yolk to form a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to ensure a light and crispy texture.
2. Heating the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Use a specialized Kratong Thong mold, dipping it into the batter to coat it thinly before frying.
3. Frying the Shells: Carefully fry the batter-coated mold in hot oil until the shell turns a beautiful golden brown. Gently remove the shell from the mold and set it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until you have a batch of these edible works of art.

The result? Thin, crunchy, savory tart cups that form the perfect vessel for a variety of delicious fillings.

Fillings That Delight the Palate

While the shell is undoubtedly the star, the fillings are what bring these Thai savory tarts to life. Traditionally, these cups are filled with a creamy, savory mix of proteins and vegetables. However, modern twists have introduced a variety of creative options:

• Classic Chicken Filling: Minced chicken sautéed with garlic, onions, and peas in a mild curry sauce. 
• Shrimp and Corn: A mix of sweet corn kernels, diced shrimp, and a hint of coconut cream. 
• Tuna with White Sauce: A rich, creamy tuna filling topped with a sprinkle of parsley. 
• Minced Pork: Stir-fried minced pork with carrots and spring onions seasoned with soy sauce. 
• Young Coconut Filling: A sweet and savory blend of shredded young coconut, palm sugar, and a hint of salt.

The beauty of Kratong Thong lies in its versatility - you can experiment with fillings to suit your taste or stick to traditional recipes for an authentic experience.

Taste These Savory Delights In Bangkok At R-HAAN

Although these Thai savory tarts are widely available, why not try an exquisite version? If you want to taste the famed Kratong Thong in its most refined form, look no further than R-HAAN, a two-Michelin-starred Thai fine-dining restaurant. Our fine dining menu in Bangkok is curated by celebrity Chef Chumpol Jangprai, who focuses on preserving the essence of Thai culinary traditions while elevating them to new heights.

At R-HAAN, our Golden Cups are crafted with precision, using premium ingredients to ensure every bite is a harmonious balance of flavors. Paired with the restaurant’s impeccable ambiance and attention to detail, dining with us is an experience that will definitely be etched in your memory for a long time.

A Taste of Tradition Awaits

Whether you’re making Kratong Thong at home or enjoying them at a fine-dining establishment like R-HAAN, this classic Thai snack is an homage to the ingenuity of Thai cuisine.

Ready to indulge in the flavors of tradition? Book your table at R-HAAN to experience the famous Golden Cups and a host of other authentic Thai dishes, lovingly prepared to showcase the best of Thai cuisine.

With their roots in royal history and their presence on modern Thai tables, Kratong Thong proves that some traditions truly are timeless.