How to Enjoy Thai Rice Noodle Soup Like a Local: A Guide to Sen Lek Nam Etiquette and Flavor Hacks
The classic Thai street food noodle dish, Sen Lek Nam, combines “sen lek” (rice noodles) and “nam” (meaning water or soup) to create a light and refreshing Thai-style ramen with a tangy broth.
This time, we visited the specialty restaurant Krung Siam to learn how to enjoy Sen Lek Nam the authentic Thai way and bring out its full flavor.
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【Advised by】Krung Siam Roppongi
Table of Contents
Start by Savoring the Soup
Begin by tasting the soup.
In Thailand, it’s customary to use a stainless steel spoon to enjoy it.
Enjoy the Sen Lek Noodles
After savoring the soup, enjoy the noodles.
In Thailand, slurping noodles is considered impolite. Use a spoon to take bites of the noodles or cut them into smaller portions with chopsticks before eating.
Adjust the Flavor with Thai Condiments
At Thai street stalls, you’ll always find a condiment set called “Kruang Prung” on the table. Starting from the top right and going clockwise: vinegar, fish sauce (nam pla), sugar, and chili powder. These four are the basics. Use them to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Start by adding “nam pla,” the staple Thai condiment. Nam pla is fish sauce, packed with umami from fermented fish. Its unique flavor makes it perfect for enhancing your dish.
If you prefer more heat, add some chili powder.
If you’re looking for a more refreshing taste, adding vinegar is a great option. The chili pepper called “Prik Chi Fa” in the vinegar is not spicy, so even those sensitive to heat can enjoy it without worry.
You Can Switch to Chinese Noodles
Sen Lek Nam is made with rice noodles called sen lek, but at Krung Siam, you can switch to Chinese-style egg noodles (sen mee) if you prefer. That version is called “Sen Mee Nam.” Just ask the staff when placing your order.
Each time you adjust the flavor, you can bring out new depths of taste in your Sen Lek Nam.
Next time you visit a Thai restaurant, why not enjoy Sen Lek Nam the Thai way, with your own flavor twists?
An authentic Thai restaurant led by a chef who trained in Thailand. The dishes are prepared with seasonings and cooking methods tailored to suit Japanese tastes, making them approachable even for those new to Thai cuisine. Special thanks to Krung Siam Roppongi for their cooperation in this shoot.
*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.
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