This Khao Soi Bowl Gets Me Through Drop Week

Every founder has a ritual. Mine is making spicy, soupy Khao Soi while my inbox explodes. It’s my go-to comfort food when I need to simmer down (pun intended).
If you love complex, cozy, veg-friendly food that hits like a warm hug and a slap at once - this one's for you.

YOU'LL NEED: 🍲🌶️🌶️

• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup veg broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

FOR THE NOODLES:

• 200g noodles of choice
• Boil until just cooked, toss in sesame oil to keep them non-sticky

TOPPINGS:

• Crispy fried noodles (a must)
• Pickled onions or shallots
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Chili oil
• Steamed broccoli or tofu (optional but adds bite)

INSTRUCTIONS:

🥄 1. Start the Curry Base:

In a deep pot, heat 2 tbsp oil on medium.
Add:

• 1 chopped onion

• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch ginger, grated

Sauté until soft and smelling like you know what you’re doing (about 3–4 mins).
Then stir in 2 tbsp red curry paste — it should coat the pan like it pays rent.
Optional: add 1/2 tsp turmeric + 1 tsp of curry powder for extra warmth.

🥥 2. Pour in the Soul:

Add:

• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat only, we don’t do diet here)

• 2 cups veggie broth or water

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sugar (balance, babe)

Let it simmer until the broth turns into gold.

🥦 3. Add the Veggies:

Toss in whatever’s in your fridge or heart. Here’s the go-to lineup:

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/2 zucchini, chopped

• Baby spinach, a handful (add right at the end so it doesn't ghost on you)

Simmer everything for about 10–12 mins. You want the veg tender, not sad.

🍜 4. Cook the Noods:

Boil 200g soba/egg/buckwheat noodles or any of your choice separately.
Drain and set aside.
Do NOT rinse unless you're into soggy life decisions.

🔥 5. Extra (Like You):

Optional but highly recommended toppings:

• Crispy fried shallots (bougie crunch)

• Crushed peanuts

• Chili oil or chili crisp

• Lime wedges

• Fresh cilantro

Toast them, fry them, sprinkle them like you’re on a cooking show.
No one's watching, but still.

🥢 6. Assemble the Chaos:

In a deep bowl:

• Add a pile of noodles

• Drown it in coconut curry

• Load up your toppings

• Add a drizzle of coconut cream if you’re being extra (you are)

🛎️ 7. Serve Hot & Loud:

Eat immediately.
Slurp. Repeat. Regret nothing.

Bonus tip: If your bowl doesn’t leave you in a flavor coma, add more chili oil.
If it does? You did it right.

COOKING TIME:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

I make this before launches. During launches. After launches.
Some meals ground you. This one does it with heat, texture, and a lot of heart.

Got thoughts? We’re all ears.
Drop a comment or write to us at hi@ateapearl.com — we’re always looking for fresh takes and contributors for Side Dishes.