Ahh, you mean Khao Poon (also spelled Qhaub Poob) — the beloved Lao coconut curry noodle soup 🍜🥥
Comfort food royalty in Lao cuisine.
🇱🇦 Khao Poon (Lao Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)
🌟 What it is
A rich, spicy coconut curry broth served over rice vermicelli noodles, traditionally made with chicken, fish, or pork, and loaded with herbs and veggies.
🧾 Ingredients
For the broth
- 1 lb chicken (bone-in preferred)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (bruised)
- 1–2 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
Noodles & toppings
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- Cabbage (shredded)
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Thai chilies or chili oil
🍳 How to Make It
- Sauté aromatics
Heat oil, add garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant. - Build the curry
Add red curry paste and stir 1–2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk and simmer gently. - Cook the chicken
Add chicken, stock, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Simmer 25–30 minutes until tender. - Shred & season
Remove chicken, shred it, return to pot. Add fish sauce, salt, and sugar if using. - Prepare noodles
Cook rice vermicelli separately, drain well. - Assemble
Place noodles in a bowl, ladle hot soup over, top with herbs and veggies.
🌶️ How Lao people eat it
- Extra chili heat 🌶️
- Squeeze of fresh lime
- Crunchy raw veggies on the side
📝 Notes
- Thicker than Thai curry soups
- More herbal and savory
- Naturally gluten-free
If you want, I can:
- Write this as a restaurant-style recipe card
- Make a short viral food post
- Or share an authentic village-style version
Just tell me 👍
