Khao Soi Kai

Khao Soi Kai (ข้าวซอยไก่)

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Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup with Chicken

Khao Soi Kai is a rich, creamy and flavourful Northern Thai curry noodle soup made with chicken, egg noodles and coconut milk, topped with crispy fried noodles. A classic dish from Northern Thailand, especially popular in Chiang Mai.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Chicken and noodles

  • 500 g chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in for the best flavour)
  • 200 g egg noodles (about two-thirds for boiling and one-third for frying)

Curry base

  • 1 can coconut milk (approximately 400 ml), separated so you can use the thick coconut cream first
  • 3–4 tbsp red curry paste or Khao Soi curry paste
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp curry powder

Seasoning

  • 1–2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
  • A little dark or light soy sauce, to taste

To serve

  • Sliced shallots
  • Pickled mustard greens
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh coriander
  • Chilli oil or chilli flakes fried in oil

Method

1. Prepare the crispy noodles

Heat oil in a saucepan. Fry a small portion of the egg noodles for a few seconds until they puff up and become crispy. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

2. Fry the curry paste

Heat the thick coconut cream in a large saucepan or pot until the oil begins to separate. Add the curry paste, turmeric and curry powder. Fry for a few minutes until fragrant and the spices are well combined.

3. Cook the chicken

Add the chicken pieces and lightly brown them in the curry mixture.

Pour in the remaining coconut milk. Add a little water or chicken stock if needed to cover the chicken.

Simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 30–45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. Season the soup

Add the fish sauce, palm sugar and soy sauce to taste. The flavour should have a good balance of sweetness, saltiness and rich curry spice.

5. Cook the remaining noodles

Boil the remaining egg noodles separately according to the packet instructions. Drain well.

6. Assemble and serve

Place the cooked noodles in the bottom of each bowl. Ladle over the hot curry soup and add a piece of chicken.

Generously top with the crispy fried noodles, sliced shallots, pickled mustard greens and fresh coriander. Serve with a lime wedge on the side, and add chilli oil if you like extra heat.

Enjoy a taste of Northern Thailand! 🇹🇭🍜