Can I eat it only in Chiang Mai?
No. It is a signature dish eaten in many northern cities. If you are meeting northern food for the first time in Chiang Mai, you could start with a bowl of khao soi.
Khao Soi
Khao Soi · ข้าวซอย
If you are choosing a meal in Chiang Mai, try khao soi. It is a signature northern dish of egg noodles in a coconut curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles. There is fun in alternating soft noodles and crunchy noodles. If lime comes on the side, taste the broth first and then squeeze in a little.
Khao soi Chiang Mai · Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
Resized for display · Photo provided under CC BY-SA 3.0
What does it taste like?
The rich curry broth and the texture of two kinds of noodles are its character. The noodles on top are crunchy at first and slowly soften as they touch the broth. Taste the broth before and after adding the accompaniments, and you can enjoy different flavours in one bowl.
Try the crunchy noodles on top first, before they get wet in the broth.
Dish basics
- Dish name
- Khao Soi · Khao Soi
- Thai name
- ข้าวซอย
- Type
- Rice and noodles
- Region
- North · A signature northern dish
- Main ingredients
- Egg noodles in a coconut curry broth, with fried noodles on top. Some menus let you choose the main ingredient, such as chicken or beef.
The dish and its region
Khao soi is a well-known dish on a Chiang Mai trip, but it is eaten in other northern cities too. Unlike the northern meal laid out with sticky rice and side dishes, noodles and broth come in one bowl. It is a good choice when you are eating alone or want a light lunch.
How to order and eat it
- Choose the main ingredient you want, such as chicken or beef, and order.
- Take a bite of the fried noodles first, before they get wet in the broth. Alternating with the soft noodles below lets you feel the difference in texture.
- Taste the broth first, then add the lime and accompaniments a little at a time. You do not need to add everything from the start.
Frequently asked questions
What meat goes into khao soi?
There are several menu items, such as chicken or beef. Look at the main ingredient written on the menu and choose what you want. Not every shop uses the same meat.
More dishes and cities to explore
Official sources and references
If you want to read more about these dishes and regions, these sources are a good place to start. Ingredients and cooking methods can differ from one eatery to another.
Sharing image credit: Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0