Khao soi
(ข้าวซอย, ເຂົ້າຊອຍ, Khao Soy, Curried Noodles)
A signature dish of Northern Thailand, khao soi is a delicious coconut soup in which numerous regional influences were combined to create a truly spectacular dish. The base of the soup is a slightly spicy broth which combines coconut milk and red curry paste.
The broth is served with flat egg noodles and a choice of meat, which usually includes chicken, beef, and pork. It is topped with a handful of crisp fried noodles and chopped cilantro. The dish is commonly served alongside a variety of condiments such as fresh lime, pickled cabbage, shallots, and chilis.
Even though the dish originated in the north of the country, it is still not totally clear how and when this famous noodle soup was created. The most probable theory claims that khao soi is a fusion dish which originated under the influence of Chinese Muslims, traveling from the Yunnan region through Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. Read more
It is also believed that the soup is a variety of an old Myanmarese coconut soup made with rice noodles, which were also primarily used in khao soi and were later replaced with the more traditional egg noodles. Regardless of its confusing origin, today this flavorful soup is a genuine product of Northern Thailand, found in numerous eateries and restaurants across the region, representing an irreplaceable dish among the locals and a favorite among the tourists.
Khao soi is also popular in the neighboring Laos. However, the Lao version employs other ingredients and is somewhat different than the Thai counterpart.
Recipe variations
Authentic Chicken Khao Soi
READY IN 1h 30minThe following is the authentic Thai chicken khao sai recipe, typical of Chiang Mai. The recipe gives instructions on how to prepare all the components of the dish, which are many, although the soup is quite easy and quick to prepare. The spice paste, crafted from a combination of dried red chilies, coriander seeds, galangal, and a host of other aromatic Thai ingredients, is the soul of the dish. Additionally, the combination of flavors and textures - from the tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, spicy and creamy broth to the crispy wonton noodles, topped with fresh cilantro, Asian shallots, and a tang of lime - creates a symphony of taste that is both unique and memorable. The recipe is courtesy of Saeng Douangdara, a private chef, cooking instructor, YouTuber, and content creator specializing in Lao and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Khao Soi Made Simple
READY IN 1h 25minThe following is the simplified version of khao soi, simplified in that the recipe is more adapted by using ingredients that are more readily available to those outside of Thailand. Other than that, the recipe is a total package, meaning that the preparation is traditional, and the recipe has instructions for all the components needed to make the soup, starting with the preparation of the curry paste all the way to suggesting what condiments to serve. The recipe is courtesy of Pailin "Pai" Chongchitnant, a trained chef, creator of the YouTube channel Pailin's Kitchen with over 1.8 million subscribers, author of Hot Thai Kitchen, and a TV show host on Gusto. She is an authority on Thai cuisine and has been featured in many major publications such as The New York Times, Serious Eats, and Bon Appetit.
Khao soi Authentic recipe
The following is the authentic Thai chicken khao sai recipe, typical of Chiang Mai. The recipe gives instructions on how to prepare all the components of the dish, which are many, although the soup is quite easy and quick to prepare. The spice paste, crafted from a combination of dried red chilies, coriander seeds, galangal, and a host of other aromatic Thai ingredients, is the soul of the dish. Additionally, the combination of flavors and textures - from the tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken,... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Khao soi in the world (according to food experts)
