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Celebrating Thai Festivals: Special Menus and Cultural Insights

Updated: Oct 7

Thailand is a country rich in culture, history, and tradition, and its festivals are some of the most vibrant and lively in the world

Thailand is a country rich in culture, history, and tradition, and its festivals are some of the most vibrant and lively in the world. From the water splashing fun of Songkran to the stunning lights of Loy Krathong, Thai festivals are a time for celebration, reflection, and most importantly, food. At Sukhothai, an authentic Thai restaurant in Brussels, we take pride in bringing the essence of these festivals to life through our special menus, events, and cultural celebrations.


In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the upcoming Thai festivals, explain their significance, and share how Sukhothai plans to mark these occasions with unique dishes and experiences. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or someone eager to explore Thai culture, our celebrations promise to offer the best Thai dining experiences in Brussels.


Songkran: Thailand’s Traditional New Year


What is Songkran?

Songkran, celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, marks the Thai New Year and is one of the country’s most iconic festivals. Traditionally, Songkran is a time to pay respect to elders, visit temples, and perform rituals to wash away the misfortunes of the past year. In modern times, however, the festival is known for its energetic water fights, where people take to the streets with buckets and water guns to splash each other in good fun.


How Sukhothai Celebrates Songkran

At Sukhothai, we recreate the festive spirit of Songkran in Brussels with a special menu that captures the essence of this celebration. During Songkran, our chefs prepare dishes that are symbolic of renewal and prosperity, combining fresh, vibrant ingredients that evoke the joyful energy of the Thai New Year.

Special Menu Highlights:

  • Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad): A refreshing blend of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and lime, offering the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

  • Gaeng Kiew Wan (Green Curry): A vibrant green curry made with fresh vegetables and your choice of chicken, beef, or tofu, served with fragrant jasmine rice.

  • Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang): A traditional Thai dessert made with sweet, ripe mango and sticky rice drizzled with coconut cream—an absolute must-try during Songkran.

This year, we also plan to host a Songkran-inspired outdoor dining event, complete with festive decorations and live Thai music to transport you to the streets of Bangkok. Keep an eye on our website, www.sukhothai.be, for event details and reservations.


Loy Krathong: The Festival of Lights


What is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong is celebrated on the evening of the full moon in November and is often referred to as Thailand's "Festival of Lights." During this festival, people gather by rivers, lakes, and ponds to release beautifully decorated floats (krathongs) made from banana leaves, flowers, and candles. The act of floating the krathongs represents the letting go of negative emotions and asking for blessings for the year ahead.


How Sukhothai Celebrates Loy Krathong

At Sukhothai, we embrace the beauty of Loy Krathong by creating an intimate dining atmosphere with candlelit tables and traditional Thai music. Our Loy Krathong menu features dishes that are inspired by the serenity and elegance of the festival, blending rich flavors with delicate presentation.

Special Menu Highlights:

  • Tom Kha Gai: A soothing coconut milk soup with tender chicken, flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

  • Pla Nueng Manow (Steamed Fish with Lime): A light, aromatic dish featuring steamed fish topped with a tangy lime and chili sauce, perfect for a festive evening.

  • Khanom Bua Loi: A warm, comforting dessert made with sweet rice dumplings in coconut milk—a beloved treat during the Loy Krathong season.


In honor of this festival, we’ll also be offering handmade krathongs to our guests. As part of our Loy Krathong celebration, you’ll have the chance to release your own krathong in our indoor water feature, symbolizing a wish for good fortune.

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