Khao poon facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Lao royal vermicelli curry soup, laksa |
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| Type | Soup |
| Place of origin | Laos |
| Main ingredients | Rice vermicelli, meat (chicken, fish, or pork), fish sauce, padaek, lime leaves, galangal, garlic, shallots, Lao chillies |
| Variations | Khao poon nam phik, khao poon nam jaew |
Khao poon (Lao: ເຂົ້າປຸ້ນ) is a super popular and yummy spicy noodle soup from Laos. It's made with thin rice vermicelli noodles and usually has pounded meat like chicken, fish, or pork. People often call it Lao royal vermicelli curry soup or Lao laksa because it's so special.
You'll find it seasoned with amazing Lao ingredients. These include fish sauce, lime leaves, galangal, garlic, and shallots. A bit of Lao chillies gives it a spicy kick! You can find different versions of this dish in other countries too. These include Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, and even the United States.
Contents
What is Khao Poon?
Khao poon is a warm and comforting dish. It combines soft rice noodles with a rich, flavorful broth. The broth is often made with coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture. It's a staple in Lao cuisine and loved by many.
Where Did Khao Poon Come From?
The idea of making khao poon noodles might have come from ancient Lao people. They moved into the Greater Mekong Subregion from Southern China a long, long time ago. It's also possible that Chinese traders brought the noodles to Laos. Cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane were part of old trade routes with China.
Laotians were making and selling khao poon noodles. They also ate it at home long before the French arrived in Laos in the 1800s.
The History of Coconut Milk Curry
Coconut milk curry probably came to Laos around the 1300s. This was during a time when Indian culture influenced the Lao Lan Xang kingdom. It might have been brought by Khmer people, Indian traders, or even Buddhist monks. Later, the Lan Xang kingdom traded directly with the world. They used ports in Cambodia to connect with groups like the Dutch East India Company.
Why is it Called "Royal"?
Khao poon is often called "Lao royal vermicelli coconut curry soup." This is because of its bright red and golden colors. These colors represent the colors of the Lao royal family. It shows how special and important this dish is in Lao culture.
Royal Recipes and Famous Visitors
Traditional recipes for khao poon were served to Laotian royals. These recipes can be found in a collection of handwritten notes. They were written by Phia Sing (1898-1967). He was the king's personal chef and master of ceremonies. Phia Sing's recipes were put together and published for the first time in 1981.
In the 1950s, a famous French hero named André-Yvette Gouineau visited Laos. She was a professor in Vientiane. While there, Gouineau collected several traditional Lao recipes. One of them was for khao poon. She described it as "a dish of vermicelli served with raw vegetables and a special sauce; it is very nourishing."
Gouineau's recipe was similar to Phia Sing's recipe for khao poon nam phrik. Both recipes used cooked pork and fish. These meats were mashed with spices and herbs. Then, this mixture was added to fresh coconut milk, padaek, and broth. The dish was served with thinly sliced banana flower, bean sprouts, and mint.
The recipes even described how to serve the dish perfectly. You would fill the bottom of a soup bowl with noodles. Then, you would add different raw vegetables. Finally, you would pour a generous amount of creamy sauce over everything.
Different Kinds of Khao Poon
There are many different versions of khao poon to enjoy:
- Khao poon nam phik: This version is also called khao poon nam kathee. It is made with coconut milk, giving it a rich and creamy taste.
- Khao poon nam jaew: This version does not use coconut milk. It is also known as khao poon nam par because it uses fish sauce for flavor.
- Khao poon nam ped: This is a Lao duck vermicelli curry noodle soup.
- Khao poon nam paa: This is a Lao fish vermicelli curry noodle soup.
- Khao poon nam gai: This is a Lao chicken vermicelli curry noodle soup.
