The story
Khao soi is the signature curry noodle soup of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It is credited to the Chin Haw, Muslim traders from Yunnan in southern China whose caravans crossed the hills between China, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, and some of whom settled in Chiang Mai around their mosque. Because of their faith, it is traditionally made with chicken or beef rather than pork. The Chiang Mai version, egg noodles in a coconut curry broth crowned with crispy fried noodles, is distinct from Lao khao soi, a clear soup with rice noodles, and has relatives in Myanmar such as ohn no khao swè.
Rival claims
Related noodle dishes exist in Laos and Myanmar (Lao khao soi is quite different); the coconut-curry version is credited to the Chin Haw community of Chiang Mai.
Also known as khao soy, ข้าวซอย, khao soi gai, Chiang Mai curry noodles.
On the Meridish menu
Khao soi was the soup course on menu No. 8 on October 8, 2026. Its clue in the game, which hints at the place without naming it:
Egg noodles in coconut curry broth, crowned with crispy fried noodles. Muslim caravan traders from Yunnan, China settled around a mosque in this northern hill city.
In Meridish, every dish is pinned to the town or city most widely credited with creating it. A guess within 25 km scores all 100 points. How scoring works.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_soi
- guide.michelin.com/tw/en/best-of/the-best-places-for-khao-soi-in-thailand
Food history is often disputed. Think we've pinned it in the wrong place? Tell us at hello@meridish.com, ideally with a source.
