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World Kitchen Journal
Craving Thai Food? Make This Flavor-Packed Khao Soi at Home
Technique
By Claire Beaumont, the Technique desk · 1d ago · Thailand · 2 min ·

Craving Thai Food? Make This Flavor-Packed Khao Soi at Home

Khao soi is a staple in Thailand, particularly in the north, where the curry noodle dish was first created.

“In place of the shrimp paste, I used a combination of seaweed and dried shiitake; it gives the soup a subtle ‘fish’ flavor.”

If you can’t make it to Thailand, transport yourself there by whipping up your own version of khao soi. You might miss out on the picturesque forests and waterfalls of the northern regions, but you will get to embrace all of the flavors, which we say is a great consolation prize. Khao soi isn’t traditionally plant-based, but it is easy to make vegan with a few simple omissions and additions. Find out more in the recipes below.

What does khao soi taste like?

Khao soi is a rich and creamy curry soup with noodles. Made with a mix of coconut milk, red curry paste, and a topping of crispy, crunchy noodles on top, it’s a little spicy, a little savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic. Often, it’s made with egg noodles, but you can easily swap these out for an egg-free alternative, like wheat noodles, for example.

Sometimes, khao soi recipes also include chicken or beef, but again, it’s easy to omit these and instead add your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. Khao soi is typically served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and chili oil on the side, which add tanginess, freshness, and a little extra kick of heat if desired.

For a taste of Thailand’s rich traditional dish, try these plant-based khao soi recipes.

Key facts
  • Who: Khao · Chiang Mai

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