Authentic Khao Soi : Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup Recipe

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Apr 15th 2025

Khao Soi is a Northern Thai dish with a unique and distinct flavor, so much so that it’s ranked in Tasteatlas’ top 5 best noodles.

This dish is traditionally served with egg noodles, both boiled and soft in the broth, and crispy fried noodles on top. The combination of these noodles with the curry broth is just perfect.

You can easily use store-bought egg noodles, or if you have the time, you can make your own noodles.

I even have a simple How to Make Homemade Egg Noodles recipe with great texture that you can make ahead and keep for months!

Traditionally, Khao Soi has its own special curry paste to make the sauce, but don’t worry if you don’t have the authentic Khao Soi paste.

I’m here to show you how to use ingredients and chili pastes that are easy to find, no matter where you are—whether you’re in Thailand or outside!

You can still get that same delicious, savory-sweet flavor with simple substitutes that are available at most grocery stores. 😊

What You'll Need

• Massaman Curry Paste – Brings a warm, slightly sweet flavor with hints of spice.
• Red Curry Paste – Adds a little heat and bold Thai flavor.
• Curry Paste or Curry Powder – Boosts the curry taste and adds depth.
• Turmeric Powder – Gives that beautiful golden color and a warm earthy note.
• Chicken Thighs – Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the curry.
• Coconut Milk – Makes the soup creamy and comforting.
• Fish Sauce – Adds savgovory, salty depth—very Thai!
• Palm Sugar – Balances the salt and spice with a touch of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup  Recipe 🩷

• It’s super comforting – Creamy coconut curry with tender chicken and noodles? Total comfort food!
• Easier than you think – No need for hard-to-find ingredients; we’re using easy chili pastes you can get anywhere.
• Big bold flavors – A mix of curry pastes gives this broth that classic Khao Soi taste—spicy, savory, slightly sweet.
• Great for meal prep – The broth tastes even better the next day, and you can make extra noodles ahead of time.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like pickled mustard greens, red onions, or lime to make it your own.
• Better than takeout – Once you make it at home, you’ll want to keep coming back to this recipe. Looks fancy, but it’s not – Impress friends or family without stressing in the kitchen.

How to Cook Khao Soi

1. Heat a little of coconut milk in a pot. Add Massaman paste, red curry paste, curry powder, and turmeric (if using). Stir until fragrant.
2. Add chicken thighs and cook for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is tender.
4. Add fish sauce and palm sugar. Taste and adjust to your liking.
5. Pour over cooked egg noodles and top with crispy noodles, herbs, lime, or chili oil.

What to Serve With Authentic Khao Soi : Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Chicken Satay or Thai Spring Rolls
🥩 Main Course: Thai Green Curry Chicken or Thai BBQ Pork Skewers (Moo Ping)

🍛 Side Dish: Steamed Jasmine Rice or Stir-fried Vegetables

🍰 Dessert: Thai Coconut Balls or Banana in Coconut Milk

The curry base is rich, slightly spicy, and aromatic—usually made with a mix of red curry paste, coconut milk, and spices like turmeric and curry powder.

It’s often served with classic Thai garnishes on the side like:

🥬 Pickled mustard greens

🍋‍🟩 Lime wedges

🌶️ Chili oil

Khao Soi is a creamy coconut curry noodle soup, typically made with egg noodles and served with either chicken, beef, or sometimes pork.

In this recipe, You can use chicken drumsticks or chicken breast—whatever you prefer works great for Khao Soi! 😊

What makes it super special is the combination of textures: you get soft boiled egg noodles in the soup and then crispy fried egg noodles on top.