Authentic Burmese Kyay Oh Recipe: A Delicious Noodle Soup from Myanmar

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork bones
  • 200 grams pork meat
  • 200 grams chicken meat
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 handful of dried mushrooms, soaked and sliced
  • 1 handful of vermicelli noodles, soaked
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 4 bowls of water
  • 2 chopped spring onions for garnish
  • 2 chopped coriander leaves for garnish
  • 4 slices of lime for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Boil the pork bones and meats separately in a pot of water until they are tender.
  2. Remove the bones and meats from the pot and set them aside.
  3. In another pot, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the garlic until it turns golden brown.
  4. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft.
  5. Add the boiled pork bones, pork meat, and chicken meat to the pot.
  6. Add the fish sauce and cook for a few minutes.
  7. Add the sliced mushrooms and vermicelli noodles to the pot and stir to mix the ingredients.
  8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil.
  10. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
  11. Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup to create thin strands of egg.
  12. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  13. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with chopped spring onions and coriander leaves, and a slice of lime on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute pork with beef or chicken for a different meat option.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
  • Add sliced vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, or bok choy for added texture and flavor.
  • Try using different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
  • Include additional spices and herbs like ginger, lemongrass, or chili flakes for a spicier variation.
  • Replace vermicelli noodles with rice noodles or udon noodles.
  • Add a spoonful of chili oil for an extra kick of heat.
  • Garnish with fried garlic or crispy shallots for added crunch.
  • Top the soup with a soft-boiled egg or sliced tofu for a protein boost.
  • Experiment with different types of broth, such as miso or bone broth, for unique flavors.

Recipe overview

Kyay Oh, also known as Burmese noodle soup, is a hearty and comforting dish that's popular in Myanmar. It combines tender pork and chicken meats, aromatic herbs and seasonings, and silky vermicelli noodles in a savory broth. The inclusion of mushrooms adds an earthy flavor that complements the meats perfectly. This soup is typically garnished with spring onions and coriander leaves, and served with a slice of lime for a hint of tanginess. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of making Kyay Oh at home. It may seem a little complex, but the steps are quite straightforward and the result is absolutely worth it. This dish is ideal for a cold day or when you're in need of some comfort food. Expect a bowl of warm, flavorful, and satisfying soup that will leave you wanting more.

Common questions

  1. Can I use beef instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute pork with beef if you prefer.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of water? Yes, you can use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to enhance the flavor of the soup.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can omit the pork and chicken and use vegetable broth instead to make a vegetarian version of Kyay Oh.
  4. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried mushrooms? Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms instead of dried ones. Adjust the quantity accordingly.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bok choy, bean sprouts, or carrots to the soup.
  6. Can I make the soup in advance? Yes, you can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
  7. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  8. Can I adjust the amount of seasoning? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and fish sauce according to your taste preferences.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - to boil the pork bones and meats
  • Saucepan - for sautéing the garlic and onions
  • Knife - for mincing garlic, chopping onions, and slicing mushrooms
  • Chopsticks - for stirring the soup and serving
  • Soup ladle - for serving the soup into bowls
  • Soup bowls - to serve the Kyay Oh
  • Chopping board - for preparing the ingredients
  • Strainer - to strain the boiled pork bones and meats
  • Bowls for soaking - to soak the dried mushrooms and vermicelli noodles
  • Whisk - for beating the eggs

Origin stories

Kyay Oh, also known as Burmese noodle soup, is a beloved comfort food in Myanmar. The dish's core ingredient is meat, often pork or chicken, with a generous serving of vermicelli noodles and an egg dropped in for good measure. It is said that Kyay Oh was originally a street food, served by vendors who would walk through the neighborhoods with a basket of ingredients and a pot of boiling soup, assembling bowls of this delicious, hearty meal on the spot. The dish eventually made its way into restaurants and family dinner tables and is now considered a staple of Burmese cuisine. The name "Kyay Oh" translates to "Mix Mix," a fun, informal term that perfectly captures the spirit of this humble yet satisfying soup.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.