We were slogging through the steamy tropical heat with twelve o’clock sun beating down on us. One of my companions muttered something about Englishmen, mad dogs and the midday sun. We’d been exploring Wat Phra That Doi Suthep all morning and we were hungry. I could tell my friends didn’t want to keep walking, but I was on a mission and I wasn’t about to stop at just any old food stall. I was searching for an authentic bowl of Khao Soi in Chiang Mai and finding a favourite local lunch spot is part of the adventure.
I’d first learned of the existence of Khao Soi when a friend in Canada mentioned loving a creamy, soupy curry found near the Thai-Myanmar border, but wasn’t sure of its name. Later, a friend living in Bangkok mentioned loving Khao Soi (sometimes Khao Soy) so much she planned a weekend trip to Chiang Mai to seek out the best restaurants. When my research confirmed that Khao Soy is a regional delicacy from Northern Thailand, I knew I wanted to try it while in Chiang Mai at a restaurant specialising in the dish. I sent out a plea for advice on Instagram and received recommendations from @wudanyan, @legalnomads and @nomaidicnotes all of whom said Khaosoy Maesai was the place to visit.
After a fifteen minute walk out of the old town we found Khaosoy Maesai tucked onto a residential backstreet. It was a tiny restaurant with only four dishes on the menu. The open air seating area was busy with local people of all ages enjoying their lunch. I knew without looking at the wall menu exactly what I would be ordering.
Khao Soi is a mild coconut curry soup featuring stewed chicken and boiled noodles topped with crunchy noodles, shallots, lime and pickled mustard root. The dish I ate at Khaosoy Maesai was perfection. The coconut was rich and creamy. The curry was just spicy enough to wake the tongue. The richness was offset by the tangy lime juice and the bitter mustard root. The noodles were fresh and filling. The chicken was fall off the bone delicious. It was as good, no better, than everyone described. I savoured every bite. I couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. I did chase down plenty more bowls of Khao Soi in Chiang Mai but not one lived up to that precious first taste.
Do you have a favourite dish that you daydream about eating? Feel free to wax poetic about it below!
Now It’s Your Turn! Getting your hands on an authentic bowl of Khao Soi in Chiang Mai is easy. Visiting Khaosoy Maesai is slightly more difficult but if I can do it, so can you! Leave the old city by the Chang Phuak Gate, walk along Manee Nopparat Rd until you see Saijai Rd on your right. Turn on to Sermsuk Rd, and finally turn right on to Ratchaphuek Alley. If you want to remember these directions, Pin the photo above!
Ahila says
Looks like the search for Khao soi was worth it. It looks delicious. #WeekendWanderlust
globallocavore says
Thanks so much for stopping by Ahila! Yes, it was a yummy end to a mini adventure.
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
My mouth is absolutely watering – this sounds delicious and another good reason to go to Chiang Mai, which I had to miss of my Thailand trip years ago, and which has always tempted me back. Worth the walk! Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #32
Ruth says
My mouth is watering right now! I have tried this soup near Thai Town here in Los Angeles and it was delicious. The restaurant owner makes the noodles by hand every day. The flavors are so complex and intense. I imagine it is ten times better in Chiang Mai.
Ruth recently posted…Sequoias: Largest Trees in the World
globallocavore says
Oh man! Isn’t it amazing when you find delicious international cuisine in your hometown? I’m attempting to visit one restaurant from every country in the world here in Toronto and it’s been a great experience so far. While not all the restaurants can stack up against similar dishes I’ve eaten abroad, there are some little family run restaurants with a dedication to good ingredients and traditional recipes that have blown me away. I love that you found a place that makes handmade noodles!
Kat says
I was in Chiang Mai in January this year and tried khao soi too – it’s so yummy! We have similar dishes like this in Malaysia, thus eating broth in thick coconut milk curry is part of our cuisine. Having said that, khao soi is absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #CityTripping
globallocavore says
Hi Kat. I love that you liked Khao Soi too! I visited Malaysia and absolutely adored the food. All the rumours of your delicious cuisine are true! I’d be interested to know the name of the noodle/coconut curry dish so I can try it!! Thanks!
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Yum YUM! Looks delicious. I must have had this when I visited `Chiang Mai (many moons ago). I love Thai food and loved that region in Thailand too. Would love to go back soon. Great how the power of Instagram led you to the best Khao Soi. #citytripping
globallocavore says
Totally! I never would have found it without the help of social media, so I guess that proves it is actually social. 🙂