Khao Soi (Curry Noodle Soup)

Thailand • Regional Dish • Soup

Khao Soi (Curry Noodle Soup)

Khao Soi is Northern Thailand’s rich coconut curry noodle soup topped with crispy noodles, shallots and pickled greens.

Servings4
Prep Time25 min
Cook Time35 min
DifficultyModerate
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Instructions

  1. Heat the 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the curry paste and turmeric and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
  2. Add about half the coconut milk and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring often, until the paste loosens and the mixture looks glossy.
  3. Add the chicken and stir to coat well. Pour in the remaining coconut milk and the chicken stock. Stir in the fish sauce and palm sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the broth tastes rich and balanced. Taste and add a little more fish sauce if needed.
  5. Meanwhile, fry the 50 g extra egg noodles in the 2 tbsp oil until crisp and golden. Transfer to paper towel.
  6. Cook the 250 g egg noodles according to package directions or until just tender. Drain well.
  7. Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle over the curry broth and chicken. Top with the crispy noodles, sliced shallot, pickled mustard greens and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Cultural Context

Khao Soi is a signature dish of Northern Thailand, especially associated with Chiang Mai, and it stands out for combining a coconut curry broth with wheat-based egg noodles and a crunchy fried noodle topping. It is usually served with lime, pickled mustard greens and sliced shallots on the side, which gives the bowl its contrast and keeps the richness from taking over. It is one of those dishes that manages to feel comforting and dramatic at the same time, which is frankly an annoying level of success for a soup.

Fun Fact

One of Khao Soi’s best texture tricks is built right into the bowl: soft egg noodles underneath, crispy fried noodles on top. It is basically a two-noodle flex, and it works.

Cook’s Tip

Khao Soi is a northern Thai curry noodle soup traditionally made with egg noodles, not rice noodles, and the bowl is usually finished with a nest of crispy fried noodles on top.

Chicken is a very common version for home cooks, though beef versions also exist.

Pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime are classic garnishes that help cut through the richness of the coconut curry broth.

Using store-bought red curry paste plus turmeric is a practical home-cook shortcut that still stays close to the dish’s flavor profile.

Trivia

Khao Soi is widely linked to Northern Thailand and especially Chiang Mai, where it has become one of the region’s best-known specialty dishes.

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