Outstanding, authentic northern Khao Soi,
We found this little gem by coincidence when walking down the street and noticed the Khao Soi sign. We absolutely love Khao Soi and tried it in at least 3 dozen of restaurants across the country, many of them in the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai area - where Khao Soi originates… Our verdict of Bun Noodle restaurant: WOW! This Khao Soi is in our top 5. As it turns out, the friendly lady owner is originally from Mae Sai (the very north of Thailand), this explains the perfectly authentic taste of the Khao Soi.
The presentation matches that of a fine dining restaurant, with edible flowers and carved carrots as decoration. The broth was thick, tasty, and just at the right spice level. The beef was tender and not fatty at all. The chicken version was also good, but the beef is the clear winner. Besides the usual sides of picked mustard greens, raw onions, and with a slice of lime we were also given a plate of bean sprouts, cucumbers, raw string beans and fresh herbs - something that is usually only seen in Isaan restaurants. Needles to say, that these extra accompaniments went well with the rich and creamy broth. The chicken version cost 80B, the beef 90B. This is only slightly more than in less touristic parts of Thailand. Given the portion size and high quality ingredients it's a good value - everywhere in Thailand, and particularly on Lanta (where many restaurants charge considerably more than they could on the mainland.)
Update: on a second visit we tried the prawn Khao Soi, which had an interesting twist, adding pineapple to the broth. That complimented the sweet taste of the prawns very well. (120B for the prawn version) Our favourite...
Read more1st Jan 2025 we were their first customers of the year, and they were so helpful and friendly. Without us even asking, the owner recommended the Khao soi and bought us a high chair for our baby and a few boiled eggs for him! We were happy to try their speciality, as we hadn't had it before. It was fantastic! Check out the photos to see just how beautiful the presentation is too. A must try place to visit on Lanta.
NOTE- it may be hard to find this place as it's overgrown with plants (actually a great feature, as it keeps it really cool in day!) and also it seems to have two names. Menu says Kaao Nhok but google calls it Bun Noodle!
Either way, it's a brilliant place, and we look forward to...
Read moreAfter reading the positive reviews we went in for dinner, had a few curries this week so decided to go for something other than the Khao Soi. Not very welcoming staff, it was a hot evening and didn't offer to turn on the fan. Atmosphere was very weird and the food took ages to come. Got the chilli beef stirfry which was small and the beef was tough. Tasted nice though and they can obviously cook. As it got dark we got eaten alive by mosquitos, the restaurant is surrounded by trees and bushes. When we paid the bill it was 260 baht for 2, the menu price listed 100 baht each so either the rice was extra or they made a mistake. Honestly couldn't wait to leave and...
Read more