ไข่เจียว
kài-jiao/kʰaj˨˩.t͡ɕia̯w˧/
The Thai word for omelette is ไข่เจียว (kài-jiao). Wiktionary also lists ไข่ฟู (kài-fuu) and ไข่ทอด (kài-tɔ̂ɔt).
Meaning: dish made with beaten eggs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ไข่เจียว | kài-jiao | /kʰaj˨˩.t͡ɕia̯w˧/ |
| ไข่ฟู | kài-fuu | /kʰaj˨˩.fuː˧/ |
| ไข่ทอด | kài-tɔ̂ɔt | /kʰaj˨˩.tʰɔːt̚˥˩/ |
The term refers to a dish made with beaten eggs. In Thai cuisine, this typically involves deep-frying the egg in oil to achieve a specific texture.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ไข่เจียว is composed of ไข่, meaning egg and เจียว, meaning to fry in oil.
Which one should you use?
ไข่เจียว refers to the standard Thai-style omelette, which is typically deep-fried in oil to be crispy or fluffy, unlike Western-style omelettes. ไข่ฟู specifically describes an omelette that is very airy and crispy, literally meaning 'fluffy egg'. ไข่ทอด is a more generic term meaning 'fried egg' and can refer to any egg prepared by frying, whereas ไข่เจียว is the specific term for the beaten egg omelette.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kài-jiao.
Did you know?
- The word ฟู in ไข่ฟู is the same word used to describe bread rising or a sponge expanding.
- In Thailand, ไข่เจียว is frequently served over steamed rice and topped with Sriracha or fish sauce, transforming a breakfast side into a full meal.
- Some regional variations of ไข่เจียว include minced pork or shrimp, but the dish is still called by the same name regardless of the additions.
Examples in context
- ในบุฟเฟต์มีไข่เจียวประเภทต่างๆThe buffet offers various types of omelettes.
- ฉันชอบกินไข่เจียว.chan chop kin khai chiao.I like eating an omelette.
- แม่ทำไข่เจียวให้ฉัน.mae tham khai chiao hai chan.Mom made an omelette for me.
- ไข่เจียวจานนี้อร่อยมาก.khai chiao chan ni aroi mak.This omelette is very delicious.
Example conversation
Two people are deciding what to eat for breakfast.
- วิทวัส Witthawatพิมล อยากกินอะไรครับPhimon yak kin arai khrapWhat do you want to eat, Phimon?
- พิมล Pimonวิทวัส ทำไข่เจียวให้หน่อยได้ไหมWithawat tham khai chiao hai noi dai maiWithawat, can you make an omelette for me?
- วิทวัส Witthawatได้ครับ เดี๋ยวผมทำความสะอาดครัวก่อนdai khrap diao phom tham khwam sa-at khrua konI can. I will clean the kitchen first.
- พิมล Pimonขอบคุณมากค่ะkhop khun mak khaThank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “omelette” translations and entries ไข่เจียว, ไข่ฟู, ไข่ทอด, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
