Khao soi is a curry-based soup which is highly derivative of the Burmese dish “on ne khauk swe.” Like its Burmese counterpart, the curry in khao soi is made traditionally with masala – a spice which Richie has found expensive and difficult to find in Bangkok. Therefore, he usually does not include masala in his recipe, creating what he calls “khao soi for city people.”
The lack of masala in the broth makes the dish taste and smell more uniquely Thai. Without masala, a diner is not immediately tackled by the overwhelming Indo-Burmese scent signature of the curry. In addition, Richie adds raw sugar to his soup which lends a characteristic sweet smell without mellowing the light spice of the curry. (Note: Richie has recently begun experimenting with low levels of the spice, though he has not otherwise altered the recipe.)