Khao Soi - Yum!

Khao Soi is the national dish in Northern Thailand (Lanna peoples) (and parts of Burma and Laos). Contrary to my expectations, the fare is super-favorable but not at all spicy-hot. And I’ve found vegan & vegetarian fare readily available. Khao Soi, a green papaya salad and coconut water has become my go-to.

The typical cost is $5 main course, $3 papaya salad, $2 coconut water or mango smoothie.Unless I get a dessert  (typically mango sticky rice, but rarely), I don’t recall spending more than $10 for one of two meals I have each day; the other (breakfast) more like $6, mushroom omelette or avocado toast and a latte. 

Khao Soi Ingredients 

  • yellow noodles
  • vegetable stock
  • palm sugar
  • mushroom seasoning
  • vegan ‘fish’ sauce
  • mushrooms
  • coconut milk
  • coconut oil 
  • salt

Chili Paste

  • dried chiles
  • red jalapeños
  • shallots
  • garlic
  • lemongrass
  • lime leaves
  • galangal (ginger)
  • salt

Spice Mix

  • cumin powder
  • coriander powder
  • turmeric powder

Garnish

  • fried wonton strips
  • shallots
  • sour mustard
  • lime slices 
  • cilantro

The traditional noodle used is a fresh, flat, wheat-based egg noodles similar in shape and suze to linguine, and are served in two distinct ways: soft, boiled noodles make up the bulk of the soup, submerged in the creamy, rich curry broth; crispy, deep-fried noodles are piled on top as a garnish, providing a crucial textural contrast and a nutty flavor. The specific type of noodle is often labeled as "wonton noodles" in Asian markets, and is about 1/4-inch wide, similar to fettuccine or linguini. 


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