Khao soi Islam Restaurant

The locals' favourite for kôw soy (wheat-and-egg noodles in curry broth), although we found it less flavourful and more salty than other options on this…

Khao Soi Islam (ข้าวซอยอิสลาม ลำปาง) – One of the most famous northern Thai dishes is khao soi (ข้าวซอย), egg noodles in a coconut milk curry gravy… but unfortunately I often don’t like it too much because it’s often too sweet and too oily. However, Khao Soi Islam (ข้าวซอยอิสลาม ลำปาง) in Lampang was a game changer to me – they serve by far the best bowl of khao soi I’ve ever had. The egg noodles are made fresh by hand everyday, and the curry is full of curry powder, rich from coconut milk, and overall just loaded with flavor.

You can also try Khao Soi Islam back on the east side of Phaholyothin, a short walk from the bridge, though that too is more of a lunch spot and closes at 17:00. The main drag does get quite lively in the evenings, with plenty of ambulant fried chicken and noodle stalls open into the evening. Close to Khao Soi Islam, on the same side of the road, is the curiously named Shalom Restaurant -- curious since they specialise in Kachin and Malar regional Burmese food.

This place is run by Muslim Thais, so no pork dishes, but their beef khao soi and mutton biryani were great. They have a much larger menu than most Khao Soi places, which tend to just serve that and the other popular Lanna noodle soup (Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao). Regardless, its best to stick to the chicken or beef khao soi, or one of the biryani dishes as the other choices I tried were average.

In Chiang Mai’s thriving Muslim community, close to Chiang Mai’s Mosque and not far from the Ping River, you will find this celebrated Khao Soi restaurant. Khao Soi Islam is famous for its authenticity to the original version of the Chiang Mai noodle dish that was introduced by Chinese Yunnanese Muslim traders. This eatery is run by a Muslim Thai family who cooks following Halal guidelines.

Once our khao soi cravings are satisfied, if there’s another northern Thai dish we love to eat, it’s gaeng hung lay. This rich, meaty curry goes heavy on fatty cuts of pork belly (yet the sign of an inferior bowl of this is for there to be absolutely nothing but fat – that’s going too far!) in a broth made of the unique, red-curry-descended hang lay curry paste, and plenty of coconut milk.

Look no further for the best khao soi in Chiang Mai,” Ton says by way of introduction to Khao Soi Islam Noodles. This tiny halal shop is run by a Muslim family who have been cooking for decades, serving up an authentic halal version of khao soi that’s intensely spiced and topped with crisps that add a welcome textural contrast. For the full experience, order the Thai-style biryani too.

Discover the ultimate halal street food paradise at Charoen Prathet 1 Alley!. This vibrant spot offers many mouthwatering dishes from street vendors, restaurants, and weekend markets. Don’t miss out on Khao Soi Islam Noodles, a famous spot serving must-try northern Thai noodles with drinks and samosas – all for under THB200 (roughly RM27).

In Chiang Mai, we had it twice; the first time was at restaurant Khao Soi Islam. The soup consists of a coconut-y broth (I chose chicken as protein) and then also both soft noodles in the soup as well as crunchy deep fried noodles on top. On the side there’s lime wedges, raw red onion and other condiments to add to your soup as you like.

This established joint close to the Mosque and Worarot Market just outside the old city walls is one of the most famous places to try khao soi and reportedly sticks close to the original recipe. It’s a Muslim restaurant with other tasty dishes like khao mok gai, a kind of Thai yellow chicken biriyani. It’s served in simply surroundings.

Khao Soi starts at 50 Baht and dishes are served quickly, although ordering can sometimes take time. Khao Soi Islam‘s recipes are unique, and a little on the mild side. The homemade Chilli paste (Nam Prik Pao) is really good here and if you want your Khao Soi to be totally authentic then just brave the heat and add a spoonful.

Khao Soi Islam is a pretty famous and equally big restaurant. When you go inside, you may find it hard to wait patiently for your meal, because of the delicious curry broth smell that engulfs the place. You can watch how your dish is being prepared as everything pretty much happens in front of your eyes.

For local dishes like Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw, head on over to Aunt Boonsri Khanom Jeen near Ratchadapisek Bridge, or cross over to Khao Soi Islam, a small and casual restaurant specialising in hearty bowls of beef Khao Soi – one of the must-try dishes in Thailand – as well as some tasty chicken satay.

Khao Soi Islam is a Muslim run establishment and with it, serves a Muslim style khao soi. That’s to say pork is not one of the options. The other reason being that the khao soi sold at Muslim restaurants in Chiang Mai tend to taste rather different than non-Muslim establishments.

Trace the origins of Khao Soi at Khao Soi Islam on soi 1 Charoen Prathet off the Chang Klang road. They have been around for over 50 years and started as hawkers. The concept was that they should feed the Jin Haw that came as migrant workers to the region with a taste of home.

But I have to give the edge to Khun Yai over Mae Sai; the curry flavour in the broth is a bit more complex, and has a more satisfying kick. I will say, however, that Mae Sai is probably the richest bowl of khao soi that I had. It’s super creamy and very satisfying.

Tucked in a small alley practically under the minarets of Masjid Hidayatul near the Night Bazaar, this halal shop peddles a mild and lightly seasoned version that resembles the Burmese oh no khao swe. Soi 1, Thanon Charoen Prathet; +66 82 392 0142

One of the first versions of khao soi I tried was the Islamic variety and the most famous place to try it is Khao Soi Islam Noodles. Islamic khao soi is halal and few qualities set it apart. First the broth is intentionally underseasoned.

You will find it in many places, but if you’re looking for a place to eat in Chiang Mai, go to Khao Soi Islam. Satay is good there. Despite its name, I wouldn’t recommend eating khao soi there.

Highlights: Khao Soi, a rich and creamy Noodles soup, is a must-try dish in Northern Thailand. This restaurant specializes in this delicacy and offers one of the best Halal versions in town.

Highlights: Khao Soi, a rich and creamy noodle soup, is a must-try dish in Northern Thailand. This restaurant specializes in this delicacy and offers one of the best Halal versions in town.