- Food/
Boat Noodles - Huai Lua
Table of Contents
Where I went #
I planned to return from Bueng Kan to Udon Thani today. Rather than returning along the Mekong River to Nong Khai, and then riding down the major highway, I decided to take the more scenic route. Cutting through the inland areas of Bueng Kan and Udon Thani provinces would be a much-needed break from the road trains along the main route.
Half-way through, both my tummy and the skies started to grumble, so I figured it was time to stop for brunch. The next town I pulled in to was tiny. Aside from a police station, there was not much else going on. As I passed a ma-and-pa type convenience store, I noticed a few seats and the familiar water esky and cups that are common at cafés. I turned back and pulled up alongside the store and noticed a small noodle soup shop was set up in the corner.
What I liked #
- No fuss café with a cheerful owner
- Simple menu. I believe the options were pork or beef soup and various sizes.
- Honestly, one of the best boat noodle soups in Thailand
What I ate #
My attempts at speaking Thai were a complete failure here, so I resorted to pointing to one of the 5 options on the menu hanging on the wall. The owner nodded and hurried back to the kitchen
A few moments later, she returned with a steam hot bowl of beef noodle soup. This is one of my favourite meals in Thailand, and I was not disappointed :). I added a few condiments and dug in to it… Having enjoyed many great noodle soups, I had lowered my expectations given the remote area I was in, and the tiny size of this town.
… I needn’t have bothered. Undoubtedly, this was the greatest noodle soup I have tried anywhere. It had an incredibly rich flavour, balancing spice and sweetness extremely well. The beef chunks were falling apart in my spoon, and the noodles were cooked to a perfect al dente firmness.
I devoured my meal slowly. Watching the (brief) rain roll through and fully enjoying the flavours and textures in the dish.
The bowl of noodles came to 40 baht
📷 Photos #
