Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles)

Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles)

Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry noodles) is a rich and creamy curry noodle dish based on coconut and a blend of aromatic herbs. This is served together with soft egg noodles, tender cooked chicken and topped with crispy noodle pieces.

The dish is completed by the tasty additions of onion, chili, cabbage and lime. The difference between the famous Singapore Laksa and Khao Soi is the paste and the ingredients with which it is served. The former is made from a base of Rempah (a Malaysian-style spice paste) and the latter is made by combining two types of curry powder (red and yellow) which creates a mouthwatering aroma that makes this dish so divine.

Be sure to order the dish when you're in the North.

Origin and history

• Cultural Melting Pot: Khao Soi reflects the influences of different cultures. It is often associated with the Lanna culture of Northern Thailand, but also has strong Burmese and Chinese influences. This is a result of the historical trade routes and migration in this region.
• Possible Burmese origin: Some theories suggest that Khao Soi is derived from the Burmese coconut curry noodle soup, called Ohn No Khao Swe. The soup was adapted to the local flavors and ingredients in Northern Thailand.
• Chinese influences: The introduction of wheat noodles by Chinese Yunnanese migrants to Northern Thailand also contributed to the development of Khao Soi.

Particularities

• Unique noodles: Khao Soi uses a specific type of noodle – soft, flat wheat noodles. In the dish, these noodles are served boiled in a curry soup, while a portion of crispy fried noodles is added on top for texture.
• Rich Curry Soup: The soup is a mix of coconut milk and a curry paste that typically contains ingredients such as turmeric, galangal, garlic, shallots and various spices. This gives the soup its characteristic yellow color and rich taste.
• Meat or vegetarian: Traditionally, Khao Soi is made with chicken or beef, but vegetarian varieties are also available that use tofu or vegetables.

Flavor profiles

• Complex and layered: Khao Soi offers a harmonious balance between spicy, sour, sweet and salty. The curry paste provides depth and spiciness, while the coconut milk adds a creamy, sweet touch.
• Textural contrast: The combination of soft boiled noodles with the crispy fried noodles provides a pleasant contrast in texture.
• Customizable toppings: The dish is often served with various side dishes such as pickled vegetables, lime wedges, shallots and crushed chili peppers, allowing eaters to customize their soup to their own taste.

Khao Soi is not only a culinary highlight of Northern Thailand, but also a wonderful example of how history and culture can manifest themselves in gastronomy. Every element of the dish – from the spices in the curry paste to the way the noodles are prepared and served – tells a story about the fusion of cultures and traditions in this region.

Recipe for Khao Soi for 4 people

For a delicious Khao Soi for four people, here is an extensive list of ingredients:

Ingredients for the curry paste

1. Red chili peppers (dried) – 5 to 6, deseeded and soaked
2. Shallots – 3, coarsely chopped
3. Garlic – 4 cloves, coarsely chopped
4. Ginger – 1 piece of 2 cm, coarsely chopped
5. Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
6. Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
7. Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
8. Salt – ½ teaspoon

Ingredients for the soup

1. Coconut milk – 800 ml
2. Chicken or vegetable stock – 4 cups
3. Chicken legs or thighs – 4 pieces (or replace with tofu for a vegetarian version)
4. Fish sauce – 2 tablespoons (optional, can be replaced with soy sauce)
5. Palm or brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
6. Lime juice – 2 tablespoons

For the noodles

1. Fresh or dried wheat noodles – 400 grams

Toppings and side dishes

1. Fried noodles – a handful, for topping
2. Pickled mustard greens – ½ cup, finely chopped
3. Red onion – 1, thinly sliced
4. Lime – 2, cut into wedges
5. Coriander – a handful, chopped
6. Ground chili peppers – to taste

Preparation

1. Make the curry paste: Mix the ingredients for the curry paste in a food processor or mortar until a smooth paste.
2. Fry the pasta: Heat a large pot and fry the curry paste for a few minutes until aromatic.
3. Add liquids and chicken: Add the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to the boil and add the chicken (or tofu). Simmer until the chicken is cooked.
4. Boil the noodles: Cook the wheat noodles according to the instructions on the package. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
5. Add seasonings: Add fish sauce, sugar and lime juice to the soup. Adjust the flavor to your liking.
6. Serve: Divide the noodles among four bowls. Spoon the hot soup with chicken (or tofu) over it. Garnish with fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, red onion, lime wedges, chopped cilantro and crushed chili peppers.

Enjoy this delicious, authentic Khao Soi!

About this blogger

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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.

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