Khao Khwan: Identity, Rituals, and Social Meanings in the Culture of Thai Single-Dish Cuisine

Abstract

Khao Khwan is a food that has a multidimensional identity, encompassing both ritual and food cultural communication. The aim of this research to examine Khao Khwan as a single-dish meal, the symbolic meaning of cooking components, serving arrangement, and offerings to reflect on its role as a tool for communicating cultural values, and propose guidelines for the conservation and transfer of knowledge about Khao Khwan to contemporary society. Autoethnography and phenomenology were used in this research. Collected data from direct experience, observation, and interviews of the event organizers, executives, participants, instructors, and students, and demonstration of the Khao Kwan menu at the ceremony on important occasions. The results showed that Khao Khwan serves as a ritual medium that conveys blessings and auspiciousness between the giver and receiver. Through the symbolic elements in the ceremony. Meanwhile, Khao Kwan also reflects. The identity of Thai cuisine is through local ingredients, placement, and cooking wisdom. In addition, It also plays a role in conveying contemporary social meaning. When used to welcome visitors at the level of national leaders, or to show respect in new contexts. The research presented three models, such as Khao Kwan as a cultural medium, food Identity, and tools for adapting culture to contemporary tasks. However, Therefore, it is not just food. Rather, it represents a living culture. It can be preserved and applied meaningfully in today's Thai society.