Bangkok, 22 September 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and partners proudly present the “Khao Gaeng” Thai Curry Rice Championship 2025, taking place from 17 to 19 October at Phenix Pratunam in Bangkok. The three-day event will celebrate Thailand’s beloved curry rice as a defining symbol of the nation’s culinary identity and a must-taste experience for international visitors.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “Khao Gaeng, or Thai curry rice, is more than a quick meal. It embodies the diversity of Thai cuisine, with each region offering its own flavours, and is a dish travellers encounter everywhere in Thailand. Affordable and accessible to all, curry rice reflects local culture, with several restaurants even recognised in the Michelin Guide. TAT is committed to positioning it as a must-taste Thai experience for visitors worldwide.”
The initiative is organised by TAT in collaboration with the Thai Restaurant Association, Phenix Pratunam, food delivery platforms LINE MAN Wongnai, Grab and Robinhood, together with KaichefHouse, GlongSaenSuk The Amatatian Resterland, Suan Dusit University and other partners.
The competition will showcase five signature dishes—green curry with chicken (kaeng khiao wan gai), coconut chicken soup (tom kha gai), beef panaeng curry, five-spice egg and pork belly stew (kai palo), and shrimp-paste chilli dip (nam prik kapi). Around 30 curry rice vendors from across Thailand, from street food stalls to mall-based restaurants, are expected to compete. Contestants must have operated for at least one year and will be judged on taste, quality, creativity and hygiene.
Winners will receive cash prizes, with the champion awarded 100,000 Baht, a trophy, a certificate and the title of Professional Thai Curry Rice Champion. Runners-up will receive cash prizes ranging from 50,000 to 10,000 Baht, along with commemorative plaques and certificates. Additional awards include sales support packages and promotional opportunities from food delivery platforms, reinforcing the competition’s role in supporting small businesses while showcasing Thai culinary heritage on the global stage.
Phenix Pratunam, the competition venue, is positioned as a culinary destination for both locals and international visitors, offering a dedicated Taste Kitchen and a wholesale food hub. Partners including Grab, LINE MAN Wongnai and Robinhood will further amplify the competition with special campaigns, incentives and promotions.
Thailand’s culinary reputation continues to shine worldwide. Signature dishes such as ‘Tomyum Kung’—recognised on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list—stand alongside Michelin-recognised restaurants and regional favourites. With festivals at home and abroad celebrating everything from som tam to fine dining, Thai food is firmly established as a pillar of the nation’s soft power. The Khao Gaeng Championship builds on this success, affirming Thai cuisine as both globally celebrated and central to the travel experience in Thailand.
For more information, follow Thai Restaurant Association or the official Khao Gaeng – Thai Curry Rice Championship 2025 on Facebook.
