Thailand in October: Between Rain, Rice, and the Return of Cool Breezes

How Thai traditions and flavors meet Brussels’ cozy autumn season

As the last raindrops of the Thai monsoon season fade into golden light, October unfolds as one of the most beautiful months in Thailand. The air cools down, the skies clear, and the fields shimmer in shades of emerald green as the country prepares for harvest and renewal.

Meanwhile, here in Brussels, autumn arrives with crisp air, golden leaves, and the comforting pull of warm, fragrant dishes.

At Sukhothai Restaurant, we invite you to experience this seasonal harmony — where Thai nature, food, and traditions meet Belgian autumn charm.

🌦️ October in Thailand: The Transition from Rain to Cool Season

October is a turning point in Thailand’s year — the bridge between the lush monsoon and the refreshing cool season that locals call Ruedu Nao.Temperatures drop slightly across the country, bringing pleasant evenings and misty mornings. It’s the ideal time for travel: waterfalls are still full from the rains, rice paddies glisten under soft sunlight, and the countryside feels alive again after months of tropical storms.

Best places to visit in October:

• Chiang Mai – A northern paradise where temples glimmer under clear skies and cool mountain air.

• Nan – A hidden gem with rice terraces and quiet local markets, perfect for slow travelers.

• Kanchanaburi – Known for its historic bridge, lush forests, and riverside floating houses.

• Sukhothai Historical Park – The ancient capital that inspired our restaurant’s name, where ruins, lotus ponds, and monks’ morning chants create timeless serenity.

Each of these places showcases Thailand’s beauty during its “green-to-gold” transformation — vibrant, calm, and deeply connected to nature.

🌾 Harvest Season: When Thailand Gives Thanks to Rice

October is also the time of harvest — the heart of rural life in Thailand. Across the country, farmers gather for rice festivals, singing folk songs as they cut the stalks by hand, and giving thanks to Mae Phosop, the Rice Goddess, who symbolizes fertility and nourishment.

Rice isn’t just a staple in Thailand — it’s a spiritual thread that ties communities together. Villages organize ceremonies to bless the fields, monks are offered bowls of new rice, and families prepare hearty meals to celebrate abundance after months of hard work.

Fun fact: Thailand is one of the world’s top rice exporters, but for Thais, the true value of rice is emotional — every grain represents life, gratitude, and sharing.

At Sukhothai, we honor this spirit through our rice-based dishes that celebrate texture, aroma, and tradition:

• Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice) – A classic comfort dish full of fresh herbs and wok aroma.

• Khao Soi – A northern Thai curry noodle soup rich with coconut milk and spices.

• Sticky Rice with Mango – The iconic sweet-savory balance that defines Thai dessert culture.

Each bite carries the soul of the Thai harvest — a reminder that food is both sustenance and gratitude.

🍃 From Thai Fields to Brussels Streets: Comfort for the Cool Season

While Thailand cools down under tropical skies, Brussels steps fully into autumn. Leaves turn amber, sweaters come out, and appetites shift toward warmth and spice. It’s the perfect moment to enjoy Thai comfort food — meals that heat from within while filling the air with lemongrass, coconut, and chili fragrance.

At Sukhothai Restaurant, our October menu captures the essence of Thai comfort:

• Tom Kha Kai – A silky coconut soup with chicken, galangal, and lime leaves, blending warmth and lightness.

• Massaman Curry – A mild, nutty curry rooted in Thai and Persian heritage, perfect for cozy evenings.

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles tossed with eggs, tofu, and tamarind — a balance of sweet, sour, and umami.

• Pumpkin Red Curry – A seasonal twist that unites autumn produce with Thai spice, creamy coconut, and basil.

Pair your meal with:

• Thai Ginger Tea – Spicy, aromatic, and ideal for cool Brussels nights.

• Butterfly Pea Latte – A vibrant blue herbal tea rich in antioxidants and a visual delight.

Whether you’re warming up after a walk in Parc de Bruxelles or catching up with friends after work, these dishes bring the comfort and creativity of Thai home cooking right to the heart of Brussels.

🌾 Food as a Bridge Between Cultures

Both Belgians and Thais share a deep respect for food as a reflection of the seasons. In Belgium, autumn means harvest festivals, beer fairs, and apple-picking traditions; in Thailand, it’s rice offerings, temple fairs, and the start of cool outdoor gatherings. Despite the distance, the essence is the same: celebrating abundance, community, and the beauty of change.

That’s the story we tell at Sukhothai — that Thai food isn’t just exotic spice, but a living expression of nature’s rhythm and human gratitude.

✨ Visit Sukhothai This October

This October, join us to experience “Thailand in Brussels” — from the comfort of your seat.Taste the harvest, feel the calm of the cool season, and enjoy dishes that blend spice with serenity.

📍 Sukhothai Restaurant – Brussels’ oldest Thai restaurant

Authentic recipes. Fresh ingredients. A journey of flavors inspired by Thailand’s changing seasons.

Whether you’re craving something light and herbal or warm and indulgent, our kitchen is ready to bring you the taste of Thailand’s October — fragrant, comforting, and full of soul.