Khao Soi Mae Sai

Northern curry noodle soup, the house speciality

Khao soi is northern Thailand's curry noodle soup, and it is almost the whole menu. Soft egg noodles sit in a rich, gently spiced coconut curry broth, topped with a nest of crispy fried noodles. You choose the meat, chicken being the classic, then add pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime from the table to taste. Ordering a second bowl with a different meat is a common way to compare.

Basic seating and takeaway

Seating is basic, with fans and shared tables, and most visits last under an hour. Food is also sold to take away.

Arriving before the lunchtime queue

Office workers and visitors queue at lunchtime, so arriving between opening and mid-morning gets you fresh broth and a free table. Songthaews and ride-hailing cars reach Ratchaphruek Road easily from the Old City or Nimman.