Just Khao Soy

Just Khao Soy is a restaurant in Chiang Mai which, as the name suggests, serves Khao Soy and not much else. Khao Soy is a Northern specialty originally adopted from Burma. It is basically a hearty noodle soup, whose flavor you personalize using the various condiments that accompanies it.

The menu states that Khao Soy, despite its immense popularity, had long been thought of as a "peasant dish" and as such ignored by the major restaurants in Chiang Mai. This meant that until Just Khao Soy opened, you could only get Khao Soy from street vendors who often used cheaper ingredients. Just Khao Soy decided to give the popular dish its due and so turned the traditional recipe into a "work of art," using only the best ingredients and choice cuts of meat.

Maintaining the "work of art" theme, the Khao Soy is served on an artist's palate, with condiments served in paint pots. Included condiments are chili paste, sugar, pickled cabbage, lime, fish sauce (the Thai equivalent to adding salt), fresh coconut milk and bananas (to either add to the dish, or cool your tongue if you added too much chili). You can get beef, chicken, or vegetarian Khao Soy in either of two styles: traditional Burmese or Chiang Mai style which adds coconut milk to thicken the broth.

The price is right, around $5 for a very filling dish. The atmosphere is also excellent, as there are works of art displayed on the walls to keep with the overall art theme. I would highly recommend Just Khao Soy to anyone in Chiang Mai.