Quirky Foodster
  1. Back

Soups

Khao Poon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
25 min
Prep
30 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) rice vermicelli
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) minced chicken or pork
  • 3 dried red chillies, soaked
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
  • 3 slices galangal
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 tbsp padaek (fermented fish sauce)
  • 1 tbsp shrimp paste
  • 800 ml (3.3 cups) coconut milk
  • 500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock
  • shredded cabbage, banana blossom, bean sprouts and herbs, to garnish

Method

  1. Pound or blend soaked chillies, lemongrass, galangal and shrimp paste into a fine paste.
  2. Fry the paste in a pot until fragrant.
  3. Add minced chicken or pork, stirring until cooked through.
  4. Pour in coconut milk and stock, then add kaffir lime leaves and padaek.
  5. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Blanch vermicelli in boiling water until tender, then divide into bowls.
  7. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top generously with shredded cabbage, banana blossom, bean sprouts and herbs.

Introduction: Khao Poon is a spicy, aromatic rice vermicelli soup built on a paste of chilli, galangal and fermented fish, traditionally served at celebrations, weddings, and Buddhist merit-making ceremonies across Laos.

Cultural Background: Khao Poon is a spicy, aromatic rice vermicelli soup built on a paste of chilli, galangal and fermented fish, traditionally served at celebrations, weddings, and Buddhist merit-making ceremonies across Laos. Its bright red broth and layered garnishes make it a centrepiece dish for special communal meals.

Tips: Toast the chilli paste well to develop a deep, rounded flavour before adding liquid. Prepare the garnish plate generously – the fresh vegetables are essential to balance the rich broth.

Variations: A fish-based Khao Poon Pa is common in riverside communities. Vegetarian versions use mushroom stock and omit the fish paste.

Storage: Store broth and noodles separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat broth on the stovetop; blanch fresh noodles before serving.

FAQs:

Q: Is Khao Poon very spicy?

A: It has a moderate to firm heat that can be adjusted by reducing chillies.

Q: What garnishes are essential?

A: Shredded cabbage and banana blossom are traditional and add texture and freshness.

© Arscale 2026