Boat Noodles — Famous Noodle Soup from Bangkok

Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua) is not just a soup, it's part of Bangkok's history. The dish got its name from being originally sold from boats on Bangkok's canals. Today, Boat Noodles can be found in restaurants and street stalls throughout Thailand, but it's especially popular in Bangkok. In this article, we'll tell you about the history of Boat Noodles, its ingredients, varieties, and where to try it best in Thailand.

What is Boat Noodles?

Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua) is a traditional Thai noodle soup, whose name translates as "noodles from a boat". The dish consists of noodles (usually rice noodles), meat (beef or pork), dark broth, and various additions. The broth has a dark color thanks to the use of blood, soy sauce, and spices. Portions are traditionally small, as the dish was originally sold from boats, and small portions were more convenient to eat.

Boat Noodles is not just food, it's Bangkok's history on a plate. Every portion of this soup is a reminder of the times when food was sold from boats on the capital's canals.

History of Boat Noodles

Boat Noodles has a unique history connected to Bangkok's canals. The dish was created in the early 20th century when vendors sold noodle soup from boats on Bangkok's canals. Customers ordered food directly from the shore, and vendors served it in small bowls. Over time, the recipe spread throughout Bangkok and became one of the most popular dishes in the capital.

Today, Boat Noodles can be found in restaurants and street stalls throughout Thailand, but it's especially popular in Bangkok.

Boat Noodles Ingredients

Classic Boat Noodles consists of the following main ingredients:

Main components:

• Noodles — rice noodles (usually thin)
• Meat — beef or pork, cut into thin slices
• Broth — dark broth with blood, soy sauce, and spices
• Blood — for dark color and taste (optional)

Additions:

• Meatballs — beef or pork
• Liver — beef or pork
• Tripe (optional)
• Herbs — cilantro, green onions
• Chili peppers — for spiciness

Sauce:

• Soy sauce — for dark color
• Fish sauce — for saltiness
• Sugar — for flavor balance
• Blood — for dark color (optional)

Boat Noodles Varieties

Boat Noodles Neua (with Beef)

Classic version with beef. Beef is cut into thin slices and quickly boiled in broth. This is the most popular version of the dish.

Boat Noodles Moo (with Pork)

Version with pork. Pork is cut into thin slices and quickly boiled in broth. Popular among locals.

Boat Noodles with Meatballs

Version with meatballs (beef or pork) instead of sliced meat. Meatballs add texture and flavor.

Boat Noodles with Liver

Version with liver (beef or pork). Liver adds depth of flavor and texture.

Where to Try the Best Boat Noodles

In Bangkok

In Bangkok, Boat Noodles is prepared especially well. This is the birthplace of the dish, and here it can be found almost everywhere: from street stalls to specialized restaurants. Boat Noodles restaurants in Victory Monument area and at Chatuchak Market are especially famous.

Best places in Bangkok:

• Specialized Boat Noodles restaurants
• Street stalls in Victory Monument area
• Chatuchak Market
• Food courts in shopping malls

In Other Cities

Boat Noodles can be found in other cities in Thailand, but it's especially popular in Bangkok, where this dish was created.

In Restaurants

Specialized Boat Noodles restaurants usually prepare the dish according to traditional recipes using fresh ingredients. Portions are small (usually 15-20 baht), and usually several portions are ordered.

How to Order Boat Noodles

When ordering Boat Noodles in Thailand, you can specify your preferences:

• "Mai phet" — not spicy
• "Phet nit noi" — a little spicy
• "Phet mak" — very spicy
• "Neua" — with beef
• "Moo" — with pork
• "Mai sai lueat" — without blood (if you don't want blood)

Important: Portions are small, usually 2-4 portions per person are ordered.

Boat Noodles Recipe (Basic)

Although it's better to try the original in Thailand, here's a basic recipe for home cooking:

Ingredients (for 2-3 servings):

• 200g rice noodles
• 200g beef or pork
• 1 liter beef or pork broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• Blood (optional) — for dark color
• Meatballs (optional)
• Cilantro, green onions for serving

Preparation:

1. Cook noodles separately
2. Heat broth
3. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar
4. Add blood (if using) for dark color
5. Add meat and cook until done
6. Serve noodles with broth, meat, and herbs

Tips for Tourists

1. Try it in Bangkok — this is the birthplace of the dish, and here it's prepared especially well. Bangkok is the best place to get acquainted with Boat Noodles.

2. Order several portions — portions are small, usually 2-4 portions per person are ordered.

3. Don't be afraid of blood — blood is added for dark color and taste, but you can ask without blood ("mai sai lueat").

4. Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for Boat Noodles near you, taking into account your preferences.

5. Try specialized restaurants — specialized Boat Noodles restaurants usually prepare the dish according to traditional recipes.

Conclusion

Boat Noodles is more than just a soup. It's part of Bangkok's history that combines traditions and modernity in one dish. From specialized restaurants in Bangkok to street stalls — Boat Noodles is prepared differently everywhere, but always with skill and love. Try this dish in different places, and you'll discover all the diversity of its flavors. Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for Boat Noodles near you!