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A hearty Lao noodle soup from northern Laos featuring a fragrant pork broth, ground pork in tomato, fresh rice noodles, herbs and a spicy chili‑oil drizzle. The recipe follows the traditional preparation with pork ribs, pork belly, fermented soy products and aromatic herbs, offering a comforting bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Kraosway Lao is a traditional noodle soup from the northern provinces of Laos, often served at family gatherings and festivals. It reflects the Lao love for aromatic broths, fresh herbs, and the balance of spicy, salty, and sour flavors that characterize the region’s cuisine.
In some Lao regions the soup is made with chicken or fish broth instead of pork, and the noodle width varies from thin vermicelli to broader rice ribbons. Some villages add fermented fish paste (padaek) for extra umami, while others keep it simple with just pork and herbs.
Traditionally the broth, noodles, meat, and herbs are presented separately, allowing diners to assemble their own bowls. The chili oil and fried shallots are drizzled on top, and a side of lime wedges is offered for a fresh finish.
Kraosway Lao is commonly prepared for celebrations such as Lao New Year (Pi Mai), wedding feasts, and communal gatherings because it feeds many people and showcases the richness of local ingredients.
Its distinctive use of pork rib broth, fermented soybean paste, and a spicy chili‑oil drizzle sets it apart from Vietnamese pho or Thai boat noodles, giving it a deep, earthy flavor profile unique to northern Laos.
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, burning the garlic in the chili oil, and under‑simmering the broth. Skim the broth regularly and keep the oil temperature moderate to prevent bitterness.
The dark soy sauce adds color and a subtle caramel depth, while the light Golden Mountain soy sauce provides salty seasoning without darkening the broth, achieving a balanced flavor and appearance.
Yes. Prepare the broth and ground‑pork sauce a day ahead, refrigerate in sealed containers, and reheat gently. Store the chili oil in a small jar away from light; assemble the soup just before serving for best texture.
The broth should be clear amber, fragrant with pork and aromatics, and have a gentle sheen from the oil. It should coat the spoon lightly without being greasy.
The YouTube channel LE RIZ JAUNE specializes in authentic Southeast Asian home cooking, focusing on traditional Lao and Thai dishes, detailed ingredient sourcing, and step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks.
LE RIZ JAUNE emphasizes cultural context, uses locally sourced ingredients, and often shows the full preparation process—including broth making and spice oil—where many other channels shortcut these steps, offering a more authentic experience.
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