In search of a Thai Dish in Chicago

I am in search of a good bowl of Kuaitiao Neua somewhere in the city of Chicago. Many places call it "beef noodle soup". However, I can assure you there is a flavorful difference in real "Kuaitiao Neua" when compared to a quickly thrown together "beef noodle soup." My search has led me to several places that don't understand the difference. Any suggestions? Otherwise I will have to stick to just having mom make it for me on my trips home.

Are you referring to Thai "boat noodle" soup? If so...TAC offers an unctuous, rich, sweet and savory version if you peruse the Thai-translated menu. For my own taste, "boat noodles" are too much of a good thing after the fashion of an aggressively-seasoned pho.

toynk wrote:I am in search of a good bowl of Kuaitiao Neua somewhere in the city of Chicago. Many places call it "beef noodle soup". However, I can assure you there is a flavorful difference in real "Kuaitiao Neua" when compared to a quickly thrown together "beef noodle soup." My search has led me to several places that don't understand the difference. Any suggestions? Otherwise I will have to stick to just having mom make it for me on my trips home.

Where have you had the versions that you dislike? In case I'm about to recommend one of those, help me avoid outing myself as one of the people who doesn't understand the difference. Unless you're willing to invite me to your Mom's house for a bowl too, in which case I'll happily step out of the closet (as long as the invitation also includes plane fare to Thailand).

GNR Winner Elephant Thai has a great version, if I understand what you are asking for.

I would suggest calling ahead to double check, though because the last time I was there, they had replaced it on the little blackboard that had been hanging for over a year with very good home made Thai Sausage that has just been added to the menu. By now, I expect the beef noodle soup has made it to regular menu status.

Elephant Thai
5348 W Devon
Chicago, IL
773-467-1168

Christopher Gordon wrote:Are you referring to Thai "boat noodle" soup? If so...TAC offers an unctuous, rich, sweet and savory version if you peruse the Thai-translated menu. For my own taste, "boat noodles" are too much of a good thing after the fashion of an aggressively-seasoned pho.

TAC's version, if that helps.

Maybe he means this


(pic by Gwiv)

It's what my records show as kha-nom-jean-ngyow. It's a beef noodle soup most popular in the North of Thailand. The key ingredient however is not beef as blood. The above pictrue is from Thai Avenue. The dish is not on the standard menu, but with a bit of prodding, you might get the folks there to cook you up some.

Even if this is not the soup in question, it's a pretty groovy mix that I have not had in ages but now crave.

Thanks for the help so far. Here is the best image I can find. Generally, there would be more red(chili peppers) and ground nuts added. I guess it looks a lot like Pho. Speaking of which, what are the best places for Pho? Perhaps I can satisfy my cravings going that route.





The kha-nom-jean-ngyow is a very solid dish. I have not had it at Thai Avenue.

Stevez, I just noticed your post and that is pretty close. I am going to check out Elephant Thai. Thanks.