Northern
ข้าวซอย
Khao Soi
Northern Thailand's beloved curry noodle soup — golden coconut broth, tender meat and crispy noodles on top.
Story behind the dish
Origin
A Chiang Mai specialty influenced by Burmese Shan cuisine, perfected in Northern Thai kitchens.
History
Chinese-Muslim Yunnanese traders brought egg noodles to the region; locals married them with coconut curry.
Culture
The one dish visitors pilgrimage to Chiang Mai for — every vendor claims the best recipe.
Key ingredients
Egg noodlesCoconut curry brothChicken drumstickCrispy fried noodlesPickled mustard greensShallotsLimeChili oil
Flavor profile
Sweet
3/5
Sour
3/5
Salty
4/5
Spicy
4/5
Umami
5/5
Where to try it
Street food
Khao Soi Khun Yai, Chiang Mai — a legendary morning stall with a queue out the door.
Local restaurant
Khao Soi Islam, Chiang Mai — halal recipe with rich broth.
Premium dining
Sorn pop-up menus in Bangkok reinterpret khao soi with heritage chicken.
Recommended pairings
Drinks
- • Thai iced tea
- • Chang beer
Desserts
- • Mango sticky rice
Complementary dishes
- • Sai ua sausage
- • Som tam