Northern Thailand is known for its dialect, slow pace, climate, geography, and cuisine. And one popular noodle dish that stands out is Khao Soi.

If there is one dish you have to taste while visiting Chiang Mai, then it is Khao Soi. This delicious food originates from Burma and has become a symbol of Chiang Mai, including people in the northern region of Thailand.

The delicious curry soup of Chiang Mai

Khao Soi is a unique bowl filled with yellow egg noodles, followed by a delicious curry with coconut milk, then pieces of tender chicken beef, and finally, to top it all, crispy noodles. You have the perfect balance of sourness and heat with a little lime juice, some shallots, and pickles.

Khao = Rice
Soi or Soy = Slice into small pieces

Consisting basically of wide egg noodles, corn flour, curry powder, and spices, it is often served with meat, dumplings, meatballs, or vegetables.

Three common side dishes that go well with Khao Soi are red onions, pickled cabbage, and lemon.

While the dish is not too spicy, those who want more bite should add Nam Prik or Chili Paste. It can be eaten for breakfast or lunch as a late-afternoon snack.

How to eat

When eating, season with lemon juice and a bit of stir-fried chili. Along with various side dishes, onions, and pickles.

Side dishes should not be combined with Khao Soi. It should be eaten separately to make it less oily and spicy.

This popular dish can be eaten with chopsticks and a Chinese soup spoon. Portion sizes are relatively small, so it is not uncommon to eat another bowl.

Where to go

1945 After World War II, Khao Soi Lung Pan was the first restaurant in Chiang Mai and has closed down over time, along with a recipe for making noodles by hand, which is delicious.

By now, Chiang Mai has many restaurants that serve Khao Soi with beef, pork, and chicken. One of the most famous is Huen Phen, located in the town center.

Huen Phen
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tNgGWkSp7KanKQtB8
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Uncle Prakit Kad Kom is trending in Thai online society, while Khao Soi Mae Sai is becoming popular among Asian tourists.

Another two famous shops that have been around for a long time are Khao Soi Samer Jai, which has changed its style of service, and Khao Soi Lamduan Fa Ham, which still has the original sales style and taste.

As for me, I usually go to the Ban Hor community. (Khao Soi Islam near the Night Bazaar, Charoen Prathet 1 Alley), which was the first community to bring the culture of eating noodles from Yunnan, China.

Any elsewhere

If you are in the Nimman Road area, we recommend Khao Soi Nimman, which will be the most convenient.

Khao Soi Mae Manee is a very interesting shop that is located on the outskirts of the city.

As for tourists who are traveling on Route 107 from Mae Rim to Mae Malai before the intersection with Route 1095 to Pai, Khao Soi Mae Nai has both branches on the roadside.

Finally, for tourists who are traveling to Mae Hong Son or returning from Pai, Khao Soi Je Sing is at the original bus stop along Route 1095, where I often stop by for lunch.

Route 1095: Don’t miss the chance to stop by for food and drink at Hong Miang Cafe on the roadside and pond. Tasty and nice atmosphere.

At these Khao Soi restaurants above, there are also other food options for you to choose from.

If you go with local Chiang Mai people, then they might go to a restaurant that is off the map. It’s both delicious and cheap. It can be said that Khao Soi restaurants are everywhere.

Is it cooked at your home?

If you would like to learn all the secrets of Khao Soi and be able to cook this delicious dish back home, then watching YouTube is the first thing to do.

There are many recipes and tips on their channel that are designed to be informative, friendly, and fun. The chef and instructor are very hands-on.

Where does Khao Soi come from?

Khao Soi is another dish that is like a symbol of the northern people. Khao Soi is another example of the adoption of foreign cultures that have flowed into Lanna and mixed with the eating tastes of the local people until it becomes a food with its own identity.

Note: Khao Soi, or Chiang Mai Noodle, is what we, among tour operators, use to call it.