Crispy Egg Noodle Curry
Ingredients: egg noodles, beef, coconut milk, fish sauce, pickled mustard green, sea salt, shallot, garlic, shrimp paste, dried fish, persimmon, and various spices (pepper, red and green chili peppers, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, coriander seeds, cumin, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves).
Khao soi, khao soy, or “ข้าวซอย” is a regional dish served in northern Thailand, especially in a well-known capital city of north “Chiang Mai”, specifically in the Nimman neighborhood. Its appearance is similar to the familiar Thai Rice Noodles (or Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup). In the soup of Khao Soi, various curry pastes with rich flavors from local chili pastes are commonly used in different regions of Thailand. Additionally, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, green onion, shallots are served as condiments, enhancing the overall taste of Khao Soi.
A Map of Kingdom of Lanna Before its annexation by Bangkok, Siam; and the British.
First I have to address thef act that Northern Thailand today is actually Lanna, historically known as the Kingdom of Lanna or Lan Na. It is a cultural and historical region in Northern Thailand that has a distinct heritage separate from what is commonly recognized as "Thai" culture. Lanna was once a tributary kingdom either to Burma (Myanmar) or Siam (predominantly Thai) with its own language, customs, and traditions. It had a strong influence from neighboring cultures, including Burmese and Chinese, which shaped its unique identity. Lanna art, architecture, cuisine, and religious practices, particularly Buddhism mixed with ancestral worshiping and shamanism, differ from those in Siamese in central Thailand. While Lanna is now part of modern Thailand, its distinct cultural heritage and historical legacy distinguish it from the broader Thai identity, making it clear that Lanna is not synonymous with Thai culture. Even in the modern day, Lanna is not regarded as entirely Thai by the royals and noble families (our ruling class), even though there have been intermarriages between the two cultures, and many members of the families have Lanna ancestry running through their veins.
Back to the topic, Khao soi is a regional dish served in northern Thailand, with a similar counterpart called “ohn no khao swè” in Myanmar, and its name, which means 'cut rice,' potentially stems from the Burmese term for noodles, "khao swè," though its origin is also linked to Chinese, specifically the Hui or Chinese Muslims, on the ancient spice route hundreds of years ago. As a result, the Thai people at that time were exposed to dishes like "Kuay Tiew Ho," which is a type of Chinese Muslim noodle soup.
Over time, the recipe was adapted to suit the Thai palate by incorporating coconut milk and using wheat and egg-based Khao Soi noodles, resulting in a distinct flavor compared to the traditional version. This adaptation has become another defining characteristic of Thai Khao Soi, and it eventually evolved into the beloved regional dish known as Khao Soi in northern Thailand.
