Boat noodles

Boat noodles, or kuaitiao ruea as they are known in Thai, are a delectable and aromatic noodle dish brimming with flavor. Typically featuring pork or beef, dark soy sauce, pickled bean curd, and a blend of spices, these noodles are often accompanied by meatballs, pig's liver, and a distinctive, rich soup base made from pig or cow blood mixed with salt and spices. This concoction creates a thick and flavorful broth, bearing some resemblance to beef noodle soup.

The dish is enhanced with ingredients like garlic, radish, bean sprouts, parsley, and Thai chili flakes for an added kick. Various types of noodles can be selected, including rice noodles, egg noodles, sen yai (wide noodles), and sen lek (narrow noodles). To add a bit of crunch, pork crackling is a popular topping, and fresh basil contributes a fragrant touch.

Boat noodles have an interesting history that dates back to 1942 during the era of Plaek Phibunsongkhram. At that time, vendors sold these noodles from boats navigating Bangkok's canals. The tradition of serving them in small bowls originated because the vendors, who had to manage everything themselves, required something easy to handle on their boats. Today, while boat noodles are available in restaurants, they often maintain the tradition of using small bowls, sometimes with a decorative boat theme to keep the spirit alive.

If you are in Thailand and craving boat noodles, some of the best places to savor them include Ayutthaya, Rangsit in the central region, and the Victory Monument neighborhood in Bangkok. These areas are renowned for their delicious renditions of this historic dish.