I thought I’d post an entry on one of my favorite stops. Kasma used to stop here on two of her trips to Thailand – it’s a noodle shop in Lampang called, in Thai, Raan Kao Soi, which translates as Kao Soi (Northern-style Curried Noodles)

The shop is found on the main road in between the beautiful wooden Lanna temple, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, and the town of Lampang itself. Look for the sign (it’s the first image in the blog, to the upper left).

(Click on an image to see a larger version.)

These noodles are already well-covered on our website. There’s:

• Kasma’s article on Northern Style Curry Noodles;
• Kasma’s Kao Soi recipe;
• Our Wednesday photo of Kao Soi from one of Kasma’s classes.

It’s typical of most noodle shops in that they specialize in one type of noodle, in this case the curried noodles of Northern Thailand. You can order with beef, chicken or pork.

When you come in, you’ll see where they assemble the noodles at the front of the shop. It’s kind of fun to watch how they do it: it’s a very speedy operation! The best place to eat is in the back of the shop, outside, with a nice view of the river.

There are many things that I like about kao soi. First, the curry sauce tastes divine. Second, it’s loaded with different textures, from the crunchy fried noodles to the fresh shallots pickled cabbage that you add yourself. Finally, there’s the addition of roasted chilli oil, which adds a divine, spicy flavor and gives the dish a delightful kick that convinces you that there is something in red chillies that truly does get the endorphins flowing!

It’s also a fun food to eat, participatory. You get to add your own vegetables and chilli oil and mix together. Do be careful adding the fiery, hot chilli oil – although it’s very delicious the noodles start out with a fair amount of heat; one at least one occasion I regretted the addition of so much extra spice!

The cook, happy you enjoyed your meal

---

Written by Michael Babcock, January 2010

Return to top