Ohn No Khao Swè

Ohn no khao swè (; ) is a Burmese dish consisting of wheat noodles in a curried chicken and coconut milk broth thickened with gram flour (chickpea flour). Crispy fried bean fritters, hard-boiled eggs, sliced raw onions, chili peppers, and crispy noodles are added to the dish. Fish sauce and lime or lemon juice are then drizzled over everything. In 2025, it has been featured as the 1st best noodle dish on the well-known website TasteAtlas, beating iconic noodle dishes like ramen. TasteAtlas has also featured Ohn no khao swè as the 3rd best soup dish.

Some versions of the dish, especially in street food settings and some homes, use evaporated milk instead of coconut milk to address health concerns about high blood pressure. Another variation, called ''shwe taung khao swe'', offers a variation on the traditional flavors by mixing dry noodles with a coconut milk-cooked chicken curry.

Origins

The exact beginnings of Ohn Noh Khauk Swe are hard to pin down because there are not many records available. Although, it has thought to have originated in Shwedaung, a town near Pyay, but this is only a highly-believed theory. However, it is still well-known as a traditional Burmese dish that has gained popularity and various adaptations in countries beyond Myanmar. It's known for its use of coconut milk and egg noodles, a combination appreciated not only in Myanmar but also in other parts of the world. This dish has a rich history of cultural exchange and adaptation, reflecting the diverse culinary influences it has encountered.

While its origins can be traced back to Myanmar, where it's considered a staple among the Burmese people, variations of coconut milk-based noodle soups with egg noodles can be found in many cuisines globally. These dishes showcase the versatility and appeal of this comforting combination, enjoyed by people of different cultures worldwide.

Spread to Pakistan
The dish's travel to Pakistan is intimately associated with the movements of the Memon community, an Indian group originally from Gujarat. A large number of Memons migrated to Pakistan during and after India's 1947 partition, and a sizable portion also settled in Myanmar. Over the years, Memons who had lived in Myanmar brought back Ohn Noh Khauk Swe to Pakistan, where it underwent further adaptations to suit local tastes, including the incorporation of South Asian spices and the substitution of traditional ingredients with locally available alternatives such as spaghetti for egg noodles.
The dish's popularity within the Memon community in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, is attributed to its communal nature, often being shared at gatherings, prayer feasts, and family dinners. This communal aspect resonates with the Memon community's values and has been a key factor in its widespread acceptance and adaptation.

Cultural Significance
Ohn Noh Khauk Swe's adaptation in Pakistan is evidence of how easily cultures may interact and how food customs can cut across national and cultural divides. The meal, known locally as Khausa. in Memon, is a combination of South Asian and Burmese cooking techniques that symbolizes the shared experiences and historical ties between the two groups.

Description and Ingredients

Ohn No Khauk Swe is a popular dish that is known for its aromatic profile and rich flavour. It is made by combining gram flour, coconut milk, and different spices to create a tasty broth. This cherished Burmese treat is evidence of the nation's rich culinary history.

The list of ingredients for traditional Ohn No Khao Swe provided b
meemalee

* Medium-sized white onions
* Peeled ginger
* Garlic
* Shallots or Red onions
* Spring onions
* Egg or Wheat noodles
* Chicken thighs, boned and skinned
* Fish Cake
* Gram flour
* Coconut milk
* Dried flat rice noodles
* Chili flakes
* Paprika
* Lime, cut into wedges
* Eggs
* Vegetable stock
* Fish sauce
* Vegetable oil

Regional varieties

''Ohn no khauk swe'', known for its rich flavors and comforting essence, has inspired a variety of similar noodle dishes across Southeast Asia, each with its own unique ingredients and preparation methods. These regional varieties reflect the diverse culinary landscapes of the area, blending local tastes with the foundational elements of ''ohn no khauk swe''.

Khao soi

''Khao soi'' is a Northern Thai dish with possible roots in Myanmar's ''ohn no khauk swe''. It consists of egg noodles in a curry-like soup made from coconut milk, seasoned with curry powder and turmeric, which gives it a distinctive yellow color. ''Khao soi'' is traditionally served with chicken or beef, garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and ground chilies fried in oil. This dish is particularly popular in Chiang Mai and represents a fusion of Thai and Burmese flavors.

Khao poon

Khao poon is a widely favored noodle soup in Laos, characterized by its use of Lao rice vermicelli and a variety of proteins like pounded chicken, fish, or pork, typically in a coconut milk broth, seasoned with traditional Lao ingredients such as fish sauce, padaek, lime leaves, galangal, garlic, shallots, Lao chilies, and fish mint. Referred to as Lao royal vermicelli coconut curry soup, khao poon is distinguished by its vibrant red and golden hues reminiscent of the Lao royal family. The dish bears resemblance to ohn no khauk swe, a Burmese coconut noodle soup, with the Burmese variation distinguished by its intensified coconut essence and milder spice level.

Laksa

Laksa, a creamy rice noodle soup featuring chicken and often shrimp, is enjoyed in Malaysia and various South Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. When not specified, laksa typically refers to curry laksa, characterized by its flavorful base called laksa paste, akin to red curry paste.

Versions

Shwe Taung Khao Swe

Many of Myanmar's enduring culinary delights originated as humble local fare, gaining popularity as they won over more and more palates. While Mohinga reigns as the quintessential tea-shop snack
Shwe Taung Khao Swe
closely follows as a beloved contender. Named after its place of origin, Shwe Taung in Pyay District, this delectable noodle dish features egg noodles in a coconut milk curry soup, typically accompanied by chicken or pork and garnished with crispy fried onions, lime wedges, and sliced chilies. Infused with turmeric and various spices, it boasts a rich and savory flavor profile.

Noh Sain Khauk Swe

Noh Sain Khauk Swe is a variant of the traditional Burmese dish Ohn No Khao Swe, specifically tailored to address concerns regarding hypertension. Unlike its coconut milk-based counterpart, this rendition utilizes evaporated milk as a substitute, aiming to reduce the risk factors associated with high blood pressure. By incorporating evaporated milk, the dish maintains its creamy texture and rich flavor while offering a healthier alternative for those mindful of their cardiovascular health.

Gallery

File:Khow Suey (25204448596).jpg, Restaurant served Ohn No Khao Swe

See also

* Khow suey
* Khao soi
* Laksa
* Noodle soup

References

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ohn no khao swe
Burmese noodle dishes
Foods containing coconut
Noodle soups