Nam ngiao facts for kids
Nam ngiao with khanom chin
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| Alternative names | Nam ngeow |
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| Type | Noodle soup |
| Place of origin | Shan State |
| Region or state | Northern Thailand and Shan State |
| Associated national cuisine | Myanmar, Thailand and China |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Noodles, beef or pork, tomatoes |
Nam ngiao (pronounced "nahm ngeow") is a yummy noodle soup or curry that comes from the Tai Yai people. These people live in places like Myanmar, Yunnan province in China, and northern Thailand. It's especially popular in Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand.
This special dish has become very well-known in northern Thailand. Nam ngiao has a unique taste that is both spicy and a little bit sour. It's a favorite meal for many!
Contents
What's in Nam Ngiao?
This tasty soup is made with several interesting ingredients. Let's find out what makes it so special!
Noodles and Meats
The main part of Nam ngiao is the noodles. The most common type used are called khanom chin. These are thin, fermented rice noodles. Sometimes, other noodles like kuaitiao are used too.
For the meat, people usually add beef or pork. Another important ingredient is a special kind of cooked chicken or pork cake, which adds to the soup's texture.
Spices and Flavors
Chopped tomatoes are added to the soup. They give Nam ngiao its slightly sour taste. For a spicy kick, crispy roasted or fried dry chilies and garlic are mixed in.
A very important ingredient that gives Nam ngiao its special flavor is tua nao. This is a type of fermented soya bean paste that is used a lot in northern Thai cooking. Sometimes, shrimp paste is used instead of tua nao.
Nam ngiao is often served with crispy pork rinds on the side. These add a nice crunch to the meal.
Why is it Called Nam Ngiao?
The name Nam ngiao might come from a special flower. The dried flowers of the Bombax ceiba tree (which is called ngio in Thai) are a key ingredient in the soup. These flowers help give the soup its unique color and flavor.
Another idea is that ngiao was a term used in northern Thailand for people of Shan descent. No matter where the name came from, the dish is truly delicious!
Nam Ngiao's Popularity
Even though Nam ngiao started as a Shan dish, it is super popular among people in northern Thailand. Especially north of Phrae Province, it's considered a very lucky dish. People often serve Nam ngiao at big parties and special events in the Lanna tradition. It's a dish that brings people together!
Images for kids
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Nam ngiao in Chiang Rai city with a different type of noodle
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A bowl of Nam ngiao
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Khanom chin nam ngiao ready to eat
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Dok ngio (dried Bombax ceiba flowers) are an essential ingredient
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Tua nao in their characteristic disc shape
