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Home ยป Recipes

Published: Aug 8, 2016. Post Updated: Feb 10, 2025

Home ยป Recipes

Khow suey with Chicken - Coconut Milk Noodles

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Khow suey with Chicken - Coconut Milk Noodles - Khou suey is a comforting burmese dish. It is a lightly spiced Burmese Coconut Noodle Soup and is served with a variety of toppings such as crispy onions, garlic, lemon, mint. It is bursting full of flavour and just lip smackingly more-ish!

This is a version I learnt from my inlaws and it isn't an authentic version but one with an indian twist.

3 bowls of Khou suey on a table

Khow suey with Chicken - Coconut Milk Noodles

I first came across the delight that is Kawsay, Khou Suey or Khao Soi at my inlaws house.

What is Khow Suey with Chicken?

This Burmese Noodle Soup is usually made with egg noodles and curried chicken stock with coconut milk. 

Oh no Khauk Sui as it is often referred to translates to coconut milk noodles.

I did read in a book once, that the โ€˜Oh noโ€™ was because the dish is so delicious that you canโ€™t stop eating it but I havenโ€™t been able to find mention of this anywhere else so canโ€™t be sure if that is the case. 

This Burmese recipe came to the Memon community via Pakistan and was adapted to suit their taste.

It has also become popular in India and Pakistan.

My version is from my mother in law. I had never heard of it before marriage and now I canโ€™t stop eating it. Oh no!

How to pronounce Khow Suey

Khow suey is pronounced Khow sway.

Is Khow Suey Healthy?

Yes it is a healthy recipe minus the fried elements. Although adding some to the bowl is fine as part of a balanced diet.

Authentic Khou Sui - Burmese Style 

In an authentic version - You make a Khao Soi Paste with Dried Chillies, Shallots, Garlic, Ginger, Coriander leaves/stems and ground, Turmeric and Curry Powder.

This is then added to a Soup made from Coconut Milk, Chicken Stock, Noodles, Fish Sauce, Brown Sugar and Salt.

The bowl is usually topped with Bean Sprouts, Red Onions, Coriander, Fried Onions, Fried Garlic, Chilli Oil and Lime wedges.

Here is a recipe for one via the Rangoon Sisters.

Ingredients in Khou Suey 

Meat 

In this version we use skinless, bone in Chicken. It can also be made with Beef, Lamb or Chicken Breast.

Noodles 

I use Spaghetti in this recipe. It is traditionally made with Egg Noodles. 

Curry

The base is made with Onion, Curry Leaves, Ginger, Garlic, Green Chillies, Coriander, Mint, Cumin Powder, Turmeric, Salt and Pepper and Coconut Milk.

Toppings - 

Fried Shallots or Onions

Lightly fried slices of Garlic

Boiled Eggs

Spring Onions

Lemon and Lime wedges

A little Fresh Mint

A pinch of Chaat Masala

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Fried strips of Spring Roll Pastry

How to make Chicken Khow Suey

Make the spaghetti according to the pack instructions but reduce the time by 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Spaghetti drawing in sieve

Heat oil and add onions and curry leaves. Cook on medium/low for 10 - 15 minutes.

Onions in oil in pot

Onions browning in pot

Add the garlic, ginger, green chillies, coriander, turmeric, cumin, mint, salt and pepper to a blender and blend with a little water.

Paste ingredients in blender jug

Add the paste to the cooked onions along with the chicken. Cook covered, on medium low for 10 minutes.

Paste and chicken in pot on top of cooked onions

Add coconut milk and stir throughly. Simmer for 15 - 20 mins covered. You can add gram flour to thicken the sauce at this stage.

Coconut Milk added to pot

Stir in the Spaghetti and cook for a couple of minutes.

Spaghetti added to pot

Ladle into bowls and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and toppings of your choice.

Khow suey in a bowl on a chopping board

how to serve khow suey

You can either serve it all together in a bowl.

You can have the main dish in the middle with several bowls surrounding it with optional toppings in it.

Or you can have serve the meat and noodles in 2 separate bowls and serve all the toppings in small individual bowls around it. Each individual can then add whatever they like to their own bowls according to their tastes.

Variations

Some recipes use Yoghurt mixed with Gram Flour instead of Coconut Milk and then whisk this into the meat towards the end of cooking.

You can make the meat separately and the noodles separately and assemble in the bowl, then top with condiments.

Storage

Khow Suey keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the hob with a splash of water.

I would not recommend freezing it.

More Pasta Recipes:

The ultimate 5 cheese Mac and Cheese

One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo

if you try this recipe, or any other recipe on tiffin and tea, please take a moment to โญ rate the recipe and/ or leave me a ๐Ÿ’ฌ comment. i love hearing from you, but it also helps shape future content and helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe.

3 bowls Kawsay on table

Khow suey with Chicken - Coconut Milk Noodles

Safira
Khow suey with Chicken - Coconut Milk Noodles - Khou suey is a comforting burmese dish. It is a lightly spiced Burmese Coconut Noodle Soup and is served with a variety of toppings such as crispy onions, garlic, lemon, mint. It is bursting full of flavour and just lip smackinglyย more-ish!
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Burmese, Indian, Indian, Memon, Thai
Servings 6
Calories 376 kcal

Ingredients
  

Khou Suey

  • 500 g Spaghetti or Egg Noodles
  • 2 tablespoon Oil
  • 2 large Onions Diced
  • 1 sprig Curry Leaves
  • 8 cloves Garlic
  • 1.5 inch Ginger
  • 3 - 7 Green chillies I use 7
  • 1 Large bunch Coriander Leaves and Stems
  • 1 teaspoon Mint leaves Optional
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 Chicken cleaned and cut into 8 pieces or just use legs/thighs
  • 800 g Coconut milk 2 tins
  • 1 Lemon/Lime Juice only

Toppings

  • Fried Shallots
  • Fried slices of Garlic
  • Boiled Eggs
  • Sliced Spring Onions
  • Lemon and Lime wedges
  • A pinch of Chaat Masala
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Fried strips of Spring Roll Pastry

Instructions
 

  • Make the spaghetti according to the pack instructions but reduce the time by half.
  • Drain the spaghetti and pour a tablespoon of oil over the top to stop it from sticking together.
  • In a large non stick pan add curry leaves and Onions. Cook over medium/low heat until onions in the oil until golden brown. This takes about 10 - 15 minutes.
  • Whilst the onions are cooking, in a food processor, add water, chillies, ginger, garlic, coriander, mint (If using), cumin, turmeric and salt and pepper. Blend to a paste.
  • Once the onions are cooked, pour the paste into the pot and add the chicken.
  • Turn the heat down and cook covered for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to make sure the mixture isn't sticking.
  • Now pour over the coconut milk (including water).
  • Bring to a boil, cover the pan and simmer gently for 15 - 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender. (Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken).
  • Stir the spaghetti into the pot.
  • Ladle into bowls, add toppings and enjoy!

Notes

how to serve khow suey

You can either serve it all together in a bowl.
You can have the main dish in the middle with several bowls surrounding it with optional toppings in it.
Or you can have serve the meat and noodles in 2 separate bowls and serve all the toppings in small individual bowls around it. Each individual can then add whatever they like to their own bowls according to their tastes.

Variations

Some recipes use Yoghurt mixed with Gram Flour instead of Coconut Milk and then whisk this into the meat towards the end of cooking.
You can make the meat separately and the noodles separately and assemble in the bowl, then top with condiments.

Storage

Khow Suey keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the hob with a splash of water.
I would not recommend freezing it.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 11gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 256mgPotassium: 207mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Khoi suey, Khou Suey, Kow say
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jackie Garvin says

    August 08, 2016 at 1:52 pm

    I've never tried this dish and it looks so interesting and delicious. Beautiful photos!

    Reply
    • Safira says

      August 08, 2016 at 3:57 pm

      Thank you so much! It is delicious! Must try recipe

      Reply
  2. Luci says

    August 08, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    This sounds and looks so refreshing! I don't have coconut milk curries very often - do you recommend the full fat canned kind, or would the cartoned kind do? I reckon subbing chickpeas or extra firm tofu for the chicken would be an ok veggie sub?

    Reply
    • Safira says

      August 08, 2016 at 3:57 pm

      I would definitely recommend the full fat tin here. I imagine chickpeas and squash would work really well!

      Reply
  3. Amanda says

    August 08, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    This recipe sounds delicious. To make it gluten-free, I would substitute rice noodles.

    Reply
    • Safira says

      August 08, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you so much! Love rice noodles ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    August 08, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Now this looks like a comforting and full of flavour dish. I have never had spaghetti with coconut milk before.

    Reply
    • Safira says

      August 08, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks it is delicious and comforting!

      Reply
  5. Elizabeth says

    August 08, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    Oh this sounds heavenly, especially cooked over an open camp fire! I need this in my life!

    Reply
    • Safira says

      August 08, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      Perfect comforting outdoor grub! THankyou

      Reply
  6. Lisa | Garlic + Zest says

    August 08, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Even if I couldn't navigate the dish with grace, I'm sure I would enjoy it. Beautiful colors and it looks really hearty!

    Reply
    • Safira says

      August 11, 2016 at 7:19 am

      You would! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  7. S says

    April 22, 2018 at 5:16 am

    Nice

    Reply
    • Safira says

      April 24, 2018 at 10:38 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

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