If you had to choose one dish to eat every day, what would it be?
If you had asked me this question before we set off on our journey through the East, my answer would have been simple: sushi. Saar probably would have picked pizza, or maybe Masabbaha (a warm, rustic version of hummus).
But after six months of travel in Southeast Asia, our answer has definitely changed. Our new favorite dish is Khao Soi.
So… What Is Khao Soi?
Khao Soi is a traditional dish from Northern Thailand. It’s a rich, comforting bowl of curry soup made with coconut cream, soft noodles, crispy noodles, and a variety of vegetables.
There are different versions: a vegan one with tofu, and others with chicken or beef. It’s usually served with pickled mustard greens, chopped red onion, and a wedge of lime on the side.
This dish is not only flavorful but also affordable, typically costing between 60-150 baht (1.5 – 3 USD) in Thailand.
We tried Khao Soi for the first time at the vegan restaurant Ganita in Pai, and from that moment, we were completely hooked. 😍
Endless Variations (Even with Pineapple!)
Throughout our travels, we encountered so many different takes on Khao Soi: vegan, meaty, loaded with veggies, and even a surprising pineapple version.
The beauty of this dish is that it’s endlessly customizable.
When you make your own Khao Soi at home, don’t be afraid to get creative, add what you love, skip what you don’t.
In the photo: Pineapple Khao Soi from Harrison Blue restaurant in Koh Lanta.
Saar’s Khao Soi: The Recipe We Fell in Love With
🛒 Ingredients
For the Curry Soup:
- 300g tofu (some use chicken—but we’ll stick with tofu 😉)
- Optional: 300g extra tofu for crispy tofu topping
- At least 1 tsp red curry paste (add more for extra heat)
- 4 tbsp canola oil
- 1 can coconut cream
- 2 cups water
- 3 tsp salt
- 3 tsp sugar
Vegetables:
- 1 carrot, sliced into 5mm rounds
- 1 potato, diced small
- Medium broccoli florets
- Small cauliflower florets
- Baby corn, cut into 1–2 cm rounds
Noodles:
- 1½ packs egg noodles (divided: half for soup, half for crispy topping)
👩🍳 How to Make the Soup
- In a large pot, heat 4 tbsp canola oil.
- Add half the can of coconut cream and 2 tsp curry paste (start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste). Stir and bring to a boil.
- Add the tofu and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and carrots. Stir for a few more minutes.
- Add the rest of the coconut cream and about 2 cups of water (start with 1 cup and adjust).
- Add salt and sugar. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the baby corn.
- After about 50 minutes, add the cauliflower.
- Five minutes later, add the broccoli.
⏰ Total cooking time: about 1 hour.
🍜 Preparing the Noodles (Two Ways!)
Soft Noodles (for the base):
Cook ¾ of the noodle package in boiling water until done. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Crispy Noodles (for the topping):
- Parboil ¾ of the noodles (al dente), rinse with cold water, and dry on paper towels.
- Optionally, toss with a bit of cornstarch.
- Heat oil for deep frying. Fry a small batch at a time until golden and crispy, flipping as needed.
- Drain on paper towels.
🧡 Bonus: Crispy Tofu
This step is optional, but so worth it!
Ingredients:
- 300g tofu (cut into 2cm cubes and dried)
- 3-4 spoons flour
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Breadcrumbs + sesame seeds (mixed in a bowl)
- Water
- Canola oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix the flour, paprika, and salt. Slowly add water to create a thick batter.
- Dip tofu cubes in the batter, then coat with the breadcrumb-sesame mix.
- Fry on both sides until golden. Drain on paper towels.
🥣 Assembling the Dish
Now that all the parts are ready, it’s time to build your masterpiece!
- In a soup bowl, place the cooked soft noodles.
- Pour the curry soup with vegetables on top.
- Add the crispy tofu (if using).
- Top with crispy noodles.
- Serve with pickled mustard greens, red onion, and a lime wedge for extra flavor.
Bon Appétit! 🌶️🥥🍜
Khao Soi has become one of our ultimate comfort foods—and a flavorful reminder of our journey through the East.
Give it a try, play with the ingredients, and make it your own!
Let us know if you make it, we’d love to hear how it turns out 💛
