Koh Samui, Thailand, March 2026: Centara Reserve Samui introduces Khao Chae at Sa-Nga, a refined seasonal addition created for the peak of the Thai hot season.

Traditionally served during the hottest months, Khao Chae traces its origins to the royal kitchens of Thailand, where it was developed as a dish designed not only to nourish, but to cool the body. Its defining characteristic lies in contrast: chilled, delicately scented rice served alongside carefully balanced accompaniments that move between sweet, savoury, and aromatic.

At Sa-Nga, this time-honoured preparation is presented as a light appetiser for two, available as an add-on to the dining experience.

The dish begins with organic jasmine rice from Sisaket, selected for its fragrance and structure, then gently infused with jasmine candle and blossoms. It is served chilled in Sai Yok spring water, subtly scented with jasmine flowers - a technique rooted in traditional preparation, where aroma is as important as temperature.

Each accompaniment is designed with precision:

● Shrimp paste and roasted catfish pralines, providing depth and umami

● Candied turnip and crispy shallot, introducing sweetness and texture

● House-made sweet pork floss, adding richness

● Stuffed local mild pepper with pork and Thai herbs, bringing gentle heat and aromatic lift

Rather than functioning as a single composed plate, Khao Chae is experienced progressively, with each element encountered separately, allowing the palate to reset and recalibrate between bites.

Available from Tuesday 31st March until Sunday 31st May, this seasonal offering is priced at THB 290++, created as a shared introduction to the meal.

This limited-time addition reflects Sa-Nga’s broader approach: presenting Thai culinary heritage with precision and clarity, while maintaining the integrity of traditional techniques and ingredients.

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About Centara Hotels & Resorts:  

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand's leading hotel operator. Its 92 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. Centara's portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group's newest   

Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.  

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara's distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.  

Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company's unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara's global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.   

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com     

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Download all Centara official images and logos at https://app.leonardoworldwide.net/centarahotelsresorts/login  

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:  

Thansita Sirapastuwanon (Cartoon)  
Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing - Centara Reserve 

M +66 (0) 65 515 2559  

  
Wanvanat Kongcharoen (Natty)  

Assistant Director of Marketing, Centara Reserve Samui  

M +66 (0) 06 1787 8941