Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe: When I think about comfort food, the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe always comes to mind. This delicious soup features tender chicken, soft rice noodles, and a rich broth that warms the soul.
If you’re seeking an authentic Laos recipe that is both easy to make and full of flavor, this Khao Piak Sen recipe is a must-try.
The beauty of Khao Piak Sen lies in its simplicity and the use of fresh ingredients. With just a few staples like rice flour, tapioca flour, and fresh herbs, I can bring a taste of Laos into my kitchen.
This dish not only satisfies my hunger but also reminds me of the warmth and hospitality of Laotian culture. Incorporating Laos recipes into my cooking has always been a joy, and this one stands out for its comforting qualities.
As I share this Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe, I hope to inspire you to explore more Laos recipes and discover the rich flavors of this Southeast Asian country.
Each bowl of Khao Piak Sen tells a story, making it a delightful dish to share with family and friends. Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting soup together!
Why You’ll Love This Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe
I really enjoy this Laotian food recipe because it brings amazing flavors to the table. The combination of tender chicken and hearty tapioca noodles creates a comforting dish.
The broth is rich and fragrant, filled with ginger, lemongrass, and other delicious aromatics. Cooking the noodles directly in the broth allows them to soak up all those wonderful tastes.
Making Khao Piak Sen is a fun experience. You can try your hand at making the noodles from scratch with simple ingredients like tapioca flour and rice flour. It’s a great way to connect with Laotian culture.
In addition, this recipe is versatile. You can personalize it by adding your favorite toppings, like fresh herbs, lime juice, or chili paste. This Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe can easily become a family favorite.
Sharing a bowl of Khao Piak Sen with friends or family is always a joy. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to bring people together.
Each spoonful of this delightful dish can warm your heart. I think you’ll find it as satisfying as I do! Enjoying this Laotian food recipe is a treat for anyone who loves comforting and flavorful homemade meals.
What Makes This Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe Special
Khao Piak Sen holds a special place in Laotian cuisine for many reasons. First, it combines rich flavors with comforting textures. The handmade tapioca rice noodles are unique, providing a chewy quality that can’t be found in other noodle soups.
The broth is another standout feature. It’s made with aromatic ingredients like ginger, onion, and lemongrass. These enhance the taste, making each spoonful a delicious experience.
The versatility of a Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe adds to its charm. I love how I can customize my bowl with various toppings like cilantro, lime, and chili paste. This personal touch reflects my preferences and showcases Laotian food culture, where meals are often made to suit individual tastes.
Many people enjoy Khao Piak Sen for breakfast, and it’s a popular street food in Vientiane. Eating it in the morning feels like a warm hug, starting my day on the right foot.
Cooking this recipe brings back memories of home and family gatherings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to reconnect with my roots and share Laotian food with friends.
Finally, making ther Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe teaches me about traditional techniques. From preparing the broth to shaping the noodles, this recipe is a beautiful homage to Laotian food heritage. With each bowl, I’m reminded of the vibrant culture that surrounds Laotian food and its warm, inviting spirit.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make a Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe, you’ll need a few key tools. Here’s what I recommend gathering:
- Mixer with Dough Attachment: This is helpful for mixing the rice and tapioca flour. It saves your hands from the hot water.
- Rolling Pin: If you want to roll out the noodles, a rolling pin is great. It helps to get an even thickness.
- Large Pot or Saucepan: You’ll need this for cooking the broth. A good-sized pot allows for enough space to simmer.
- Chef’s Knife: This is useful for slicing ingredients like onions and ginger. A sharp knife makes prep easier.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping vegetables safely.
- Serving Bowls: I like to have a few bowls ready for serving. They can hold your delicious soup and toppings.
- Ladle: Use a ladle to serve the broth into the bowls without spilling.
With these tools, you’ll be ready to prepare a delightful bowl of Khao Piak Sen. Happy cooking!

Cooking Instructions
To make my Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe, I start by preparing the broth. Here’s what I need:
- Water: About 8 cups
- Onion: 1 large
- Fresh Cilantro: A handful
- Ginger: A small piece
- Lemongrass: 1 stalk
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 2-3
- Gangal: A small piece
- Chicken Bouillon: 1 cube
- Chicken: 2 pieces (thighs and breasts)
First, I bring the water to a boil in a large pot. While waiting, I peel the onion and char it on the stove until it gets a nice color.
Next, I add the onion, cilantro, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and gangal to the boiling water. Then, I toss in the chicken and the chicken bouillon cube.
I let everything simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together well.
Once the chicken is cooked, I take it out and shred it. I return the shredded chicken to the pot.
For the noodles, I prepare thick homemade tapioca noodles. I cook them separately according to the package instructions.
Finally, I serve the broth hot over the noodles. I love adding fresh herbs and my favorite condiments on top for extra flavor. Enjoy my delicious bowl of Khao Piak Sen!
Cooking Tips
When making any Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe, there are a few tips I like to keep in mind. These can make a big difference in the final dish.
First, use boiling water for the noodle dough. This helps create a better texture. Knead the dough tightly to avoid any falling apart in the soup.
Next, cook the noodles directly in your broth. This allows them to soak up the rich flavors. I often visit my local Laos food market to find fresh ingredients.
It’s essential to get your soup stock right. Ingredients like chicken thighs and ginger add depth. Don’t skip on the aromatics. The more fragrant, the better!
When I make the soup, I like to char the onion first. It adds a nice smoky taste. I also use fresh herbs from the Laos food market for added freshness.
Be mindful of your broth thickness. A starchy broth enhances the dish. Adjust the water if needed during the cooking process.
Lastly, practice makes perfect. The more I cook the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe, the better I get at it. Each time, I learn something new about balancing flavors.
Remember, a visit to the Laos food market can provide inspiration and the freshest ingredients. Enjoy the journey of making this delicious dish!
Ingredients For the Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe
Garlic and Shallots
Vegetable Oil
Garlic
Shallots
Chicken
Yellow Onion
Ginger
Garlic
Lemongrass
Garlic
Lime Leaves
Cilantro
Chicken
Kosher Salt
Soy Sauce
Fish Sauce
Sugar
Noodles
White Rice Flour
Tapioca Flour
Water
Serve
Scallions
Chiles
Morning Glory
Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions For the Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe
Fried Garlic and Shallots
Fry garlic in oil until golden, strain, and drain. Reuse the oil to fry shallots until pale golden. Strain quickly, reserve oil.
Broth and Chicken
Optionally char onion and ginger. Sauté in garlic-shallot oil with aromatics for 7 minutes, then add chicken and water. Simmer for 2 hours, skimming foam. Shred chicken and strain broth, seasoning with salt.
Fresh Noodles
Mix flours with boiling water to form dough. Knead, divide, and roll into thin discs. Slice into noodles and dust with rice flour.
Assemble and Serve
Cook noodles in broth until floating. Serve with shredded chicken, broth, and garnishes like scallions, chiles, lime, and fried garlic.

FAQ For the Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe
What are the key ingredients needed for a Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe?
The main ingredients for the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe include tapioca noodles, chicken or pork, and a flavorful broth. I also use garlic, ginger, and green onions for added taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil are great for garnishing.
How can I make a simple and easy Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe at home?
To make it easy, I start with store-bought tapioca noodles. I cook the noodles in a rich chicken broth. Then, I add my choice of protein and finish with fresh herbs and spices. It’s a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare.
What is the traditional way to prepare the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe with chicken?
Traditionally, I simmer chicken pieces with garlic, ginger, and water to create a hearty broth. After the chicken is cooked, I add the noodles. Let everything simmer so the flavors blend, and then serve it hot with fresh herbs.
Where does the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe originate from?
KThe Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe comes from Laos, where it is a popular comfort food. It is also popular in the Isan region of Thailand, showcasing the influences of both cultures in its preparation and flavor.
Can the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe be made vegetarian, and if so, how?
Yes, I can make any Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. I substitute the protein with tofu or mushrooms. Fresh vegetables can add texture and flavor, making it a delicious option for non-meat eaters.
What are some tips for achieving the authentic taste of the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe?
To achieve an authentic taste, I recommend using homemade broth for maximum flavor. Cooking the noodles directly in the broth helps them absorb the taste. Using fresh herbs and quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in your dish.

Easy Laos Khao Piak Sen Recipe
Ingredients
Garlic and Shallots
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 24 cloves Garlic sliced thinly crosswise, preferably with a mandoline
- 3 medium Shallots sliced thinly crosswise into rounds, preferably with a mandoline
Chicken
- 1 Yellow Onion peeled and quartered through the root end
- 3 knobs Ginger peeled and sliced crosswise into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- 3 tbsp Garlic and shallot oil
- 1 stalk Lemongrass outer layer discarded then roughly chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic peeled and thinly sliced crosswise
- 5 Lime Leaves
- 12 stems Cilantro chopped
- 4 lb chicken whole blotted dry
- 2 tbsp Kosher Salt plus more as needed
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
Noodles
- 7 oz White Rice Flour divided (see note)
- 7 oz Tapioca Flour divided
- 1 3/4 cups Water boiling
Instructions
Fried Garlic and Shallots
- Fry garlic in oil until golden, strain, and drain. Reuse the oil to fry shallots until pale golden. Strain quickly, reserve oil.
Broth and Chicken
- Optionally char onion and ginger. Sauté in garlic-shallot oil with aromatics for 7 minutes, then add chicken and water. Simmer for 2 hours, skimming foam. Shred chicken and strain broth, seasoning with salt.
Fresh Noodles
- Mix flours with boiling water to form dough. Knead, divide, and roll into thin discs. Slice into noodles and dust with rice flour.
Assemble and Serve
- Cook noodles in broth until floating. Serve with shredded chicken, broth, and garnishes like scallions, chiles, lime, and fried garlic.
Nutrition



4 comments
This Laos Khao Piak Sen was a comforting dish. The homemade noodles had a great chewy texture, and the broth was thick and rich. I topped it with fresh herbs and crispy garlic, which added an extra layer of flavor. My guests really liked the hearty feel of the soup and mentioned how satisfying it was.
I cant believe they didnt include any tips for customizing the Laos Khao Piak Sen recipe! I like to add extra chili for a spicy kick. Whats your favorite twist on this dish?
Im not sure about this recipe. Isnt Khao Piak Sen supposed to be more complex? Why simplify it so much? I want the traditional flavors, not a quick version.
I cant believe they didnt include any tips for customizing the Khao Piak Sen recipe! I mean, who doesnt love adding their own twist to dishes? Lets spice things up next time!