Khao Pad Bu, or Crab Fried Rice in Koh Sichang - Island Street Food

Khao Pad Bu, or Crab Fried Rice

Koh Sichang, Thailand

On a recent trip to Koh Sichang Island in Siracha, Thailand, we stopped at a small local street food made-to-order shop for a quick and easy Thai seafood dish - crab fried rice.

Khao Pad Bu, or Crab Fried Rice in Koh Sichang

Thai crab fried rice is a delicious seafood dish common in Thailand's gulf region and southern islands that combines the flavors of fresh crab meat with the simplicity of hearty and filling fried rice. 

This crab fried rice doesn't use imitation crab meat, but real pieces of sweet, juicy crab meat caught locally in the Gulf of Thailand. Crab fried rice incorporates a variety of ingredients including garlic and green onion, which are sautéed in a wok to release their aromatic oils. The addition of beaten eggs creates a rich and hearty texture as they scramble alongside the rice. The dish was served with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra flavorful kick and topped with a fried egg.

Crab fried rice can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying main course or served alongside other Thai dishes as part of a larger meal. For lunch, a plate of fried rice was enough for a full meal.

In Thailand, where seafood is abundant and deeply ingrained in the local cuisine, Thai crab fried rice is a popular choice among locals, especially when on a beach holiday.

crab fried rice, local seafood dish in Koh Sichang, Thailand

Traveler's Tips

Koh Sichang is the closest island to Bangkok. You can easily visit it for a one-night getaway or even as a day trip! It may not be the most stunningly beautiful island in Thailand (you'll want the far south for that!), but there's plenty to see and do. You can visit the ruins of the old Summer Palace of King Rama V, explore a beautiful and vibrant Chinese temple built into the side of the hills, and take in the sun and sea at the island's small beach. Overall, it's an interesting place to visit, especially if you just want to chill and relax for a day or two.

To get to Koh Sichang you need to take a bus or minibus to the town of Siracha (yes, like the sauce!), which costs about 100-120 baht per ticket. From the bus stop, take a tuk-tuk 4km to the port (just say "Koh Sichang"). It should cost 60 baht. Then, you can take a ferry to the island (about 45 minutes and 120 baht per ticket).

Koh Sichang Island in Siracha, Thailand