Tired of eating hellishly hot Thai food? Try Khao Soi, the flavourful coconut curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand

Khao Soi is one of my favourite Thai dishes. Unlike many other signature Thai dishes, Khao Soi isn’t overly spicy, which makes it an easy-to-eat choice even for westerners who aren’t used to ingesting hellishly hot food. This is also probably one of the main reasons why I fell in love with Khao Soi at first “tasting”.

Let me tell you a few facts about Khao Soi first. The dish originates from the northern regions of Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai). Today it is widely popular all across Thailand and by different names also in other parts of South East Asia.

Khao Soi is a curry-based dish that typically consists of egg noodles dipped in a rich coconut-milk curry broth, combined with meat (usually chicken or beef) and a variety of spices.

The yummy soup is typically garnished with a variety of toppings such as cilantro, scallions, and pickled mustard greens, and is often served with a bunch of fried crispy noodles gently thrown on top of the soup. The crispy noodles add a uniquely crunchy texture to this dish – so typical and famous for Khao Soi.

Name and etymology

Common names in Thailand: Khao Soi or Khao Soy

Thai spelling: ข้าวซอย, pronounced [kʰâ:w sɔ̄ːj]

Western names: Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup, Thai Laksa Soup, Northern Thai Creamy Curry Soup

The Thai name “Khao Soi” means “???”; “Khao”=rice, “Mun”=oily, “Gai”=chicken.

Variations: Northern Thai Khao Soi, Lao Khao Soi

Other variations: This amazing Thai dish, known as Khao Soi or Khao Soy in Thailand, can be also found in other parts of South East Asia. In Laos, it is known as Chin Haw and a comparable dish, Ohn No Khao Swè, is commonly available in Myanmar.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Khao Soi typically include:

• Egg noodles: the noodles are usually made from wheat flour and are often egg-based.
• Coconut milk: it is the key ingredient in the curry broth, it gives the dish its rich and creamy texture.
• Meat: usually chicken or beef is used, but can also be made with pork or shrimp
• Spices: A variety of spices are used to give the dish its unique flavour. Some of the most common spices used include cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass.
• Chilies: red chilli paste or fresh red chillies can be added to give the dish a spicy kick
• Toppings: it typically includes cilantro, scallions, and pickled mustard greens.

Other ingredients that can be added to the dish include:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Palm sugar
• Fish sauce
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Scallions
• Pickled mustard greens

These ingredients are combined and cooked together to create the traditional Khao Soi dish.

Taste

Khao Soi rocks a fairly complex and flavorful taste and a “crunchy and creamy” texture. It’s the combination of creaminess and crunchiness that makes Khao Soy such a unique sought-after culinary experience.

The curry broth is rich and creamy, with a balance of sweet and savoury flavours. The base noodles are usually cooked al dente, while fried noodles added on top are fried and crunchy.

Additionally, the coconut milk gives the dish a slightly sweet and nutty taste, while the spices give it a complex depth of flavour. The cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass all contribute to the distinct taste of Khao Soi.

The red chilli paste or fresh red chillies can give a spicy kick to the dish. The toppings such as cilantro, scallions, and pickled mustard greens add a fresh, tangy and herbal contrast to the dish.

All the flavours meld together to create a comforting and satisfying dish.

Where to buy and how to eat Khao Soi

Khao Soi can be found in many Thai restaurants across Thailand and worldwide. Some restaurants may specialize in Khao Soi and have it as a signature dish. As a tourist, you can also get it from Thai street food vendors, especially in the northern region of the country.

If you’re not able to travel to Thailand, you can find Khao Soi in Thai restaurants in other countries. Some restaurants may not have it on the menu, but it’s worth asking if they can make it for you.

Khao Soi is typically eaten with a spoon and fork. Start by spooning some of the curry broth and meat over a bed of noodles. Use your fork to twirl the noodles and eat them along with the broth. You can also add some of the toppings such as cilantro, scallions, and pickled mustard greens to your bowl, depending on your preference.

If you can get the fried noodles, they are usually served on the side, you can add them to the bowl to give the dish the aforementioned crunchy texture. Some people may also like to squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top of their Khao Soi for added acidity and to bring out the flavours.

Is Khao Soi healthy?

Khao Soi is a hearty and comforting dish, but it is not considered a low-calorie or low-fat food. The curry broth is made with coconut milk, which is high in saturated fat, and the dish is often served with a side of fried noodles. Just keep in mind that while coconut milk has some health benefits, such as being a good source of medium-chain fatty acids and providing a source of healthy fats, it is also high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

The dish is rich in spices, herbs, and vegetables and it can be a good source of protein and other nutrients. Some of the spices used in Khao Soi, such as turmeric, ginger and lemongrass, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may have some health benefits.

To make it more healthy, you can ask for less coconut milk or for the addition of more vegetables and lean protein. Also, if you’re making Khao Soi at home, you can use less oil when frying the noodles and adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your taste.

It’s important to keep in mind that like with any food, moderation is key and it should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Khao Soi is a comforting and satisfying dish that is widely popular among Thai food enthusiasts worldwide. With its unique blend of flavours, textures, and aromas, Khao Soi is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best Thai cuisine.

In a nutshell, Khao Soi is a comforting and hearty dish that is enjoyed by many people in Thailand and around the world.