Khao Soi Recipe|Authentic Northern Thai Curry Noodles
Khao Soi is a classic dish from Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, featuring rich coconut curry broth, chicken or beef, and crispy fried noodles. It has a fragrant, flavorful taste with a soft-and-crunchy texture, making it a popular street food and restaurant dish. In this post, you’ll find a complete home recipe for Khao Soi, so you can enjoy authentic Northern Thai flavors at home.
What is Khao Soi?
Khao Soi (Thai: ข้าวซอย) originates from Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. It is a Thai-style curry noodle soup. Its key features include:
-
Broth: Creamy coconut curry, rich and slightly spicy
-
Noodles: Soft egg noodles with a small portion of crispy fried noodles
-
Protein: Traditionally chicken, but beef or pork can also be used
-
Toppings: Pickled vegetables, shallots, lime slices, and cilantro for extra flavor
The charm of Khao Soi lies in its rich curry broth paired with soft yet crunchy noodles, offering a comforting and flavorful Northern Thai experience.
Flavor Characteristics of Khao Soi
-
Rich Curry Broth: Made with coconut milk, curry powder, and spices, the broth is fragrant and smooth.
-
Soft and Crispy Noodles: Soft noodles soak up the curry, while the crispy fried noodles add texture contrast.
-
Tender Meat: Chicken or beef absorbs the flavors of the curry, making it savory and satisfying.
-
Tangy Toppings: Pickled vegetables, lime slices, and shallots add freshness to balance the richness of the curry.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Protein & Noodles
-
200g chicken thigh or breast (can substitute beef)
-
200g egg noodles
-
A small portion of crispy fried noodles (or fry some egg noodles yourself)
Broth & Curry Sauce
-
1 cup coconut milk
-
1 cup chicken stock
-
2 tbsp curry powder
-
2 shallots, sliced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings & Garnish
-
Pickled vegetables, lime slices, cilantro to taste
-
2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
-
Cut the chicken into pieces and cook the egg noodles; set aside.
-
Wash and chop pickled vegetables, chop cilantro, and slice the lime.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
-
Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and shallots, and sauté until golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Make Curry Broth
-
Add curry powder and stir-fry briefly, then pour in coconut milk and chicken stock. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Cook Protein
-
Add the chicken to the broth and simmer until fully cooked and infused with curry flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Noodles
-
Place cooked egg noodles in a bowl, pour the rich curry broth with chicken on top.
-
Sprinkle crispy fried noodles and pickled vegetables, squeeze lime juice, and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Khao Soi Tips
-
Noodle choice: Fresh egg noodles give the best texture; dry noodles need to be softened first.
-
Broth richness: Adjust the amount of coconut milk to make the curry thicker or lighter.
-
Extra flavor: Add chili paste or pickled vegetables for extra layers.
-
Protein variations: Chicken, beef, or tofu all work for different tastes.
SEO Keyword Suggestions
-
Khao Soi recipe
-
Northern Thai curry noodles
-
Chiang Mai food
-
Must-try Thai dishes
-
Thai curry noodle soup
Internal linking suggestions:
-
Link to other Thai food recipes, such as Pad Thai, Rad Na, or Pad See Ew.
Why You’ll Love This Khao Soi
✔ Authentic Northern Thai curry noodle flavor
✔ Rich and fragrant broth with a perfect soft-and-crunchy noodle texture
✔ Simple ingredients for easy home cooking
✔ Layers of flavor: aromatic, spicy, tangy, and savory