Guay Tiaw (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว)
Thailand’s Beloved Noodle Dish
If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Thai street food, it’s Guay Tiaw (ก๋วยเตี๋ยว) or Thai noodles. A versatile and comforting meal, Guay Tiaw is a staple enjoyed by locals and travelers alike, available at bustling street food stalls, cozy eateries and even floating markets.
Noodle Soup : Guay Tiaw Nam
What is Guay Tiaw?
Guay Tiaw refers to a variety of noodle soups or stir-fried noodle dishes, where the noodles take center stage. The dish can be customized with different types of noodles, proteins and broths to suit your taste.
Types of Noodles in Guay Tiaw
- Sen Lek (เส้นเล็ก): Thin rice noodles, soft and slightly chewy.
- Sen Yai (เส้นใหญ่): Wide rice noodles, smooth and silky.
- Sen Mee (เส้นหมี่): Vermicelli rice noodles, delicate and light.
- Ba Mee (บะหมี่): Egg noodles, firm and springy.
Popular Variations of Guay Tiaw
1. Guay Tiaw Nam (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวน้ำ) – Noodle Soup: A warm bowl of noodles in a flavorful broth, topped with your choice of protein (pork, chicken, or beef) and garnished with bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro. 2. Guay Tiaw Haeng (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวแห้ง) – Dry Noodles: Noodles served without broth, tossed in a savory sauce and topped with meat, herbs, and seasonings.
3. Boat Noodles (Guay Tiaw Reua – ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ): A rich, dark noodle soup traditionally served in small portions, flavored with herbs and spices.
4. Tom Yum Noodles (Guay Tiaw Tom Yum – ก๋วยเตี๋ยวต้มยำ): Spicy and sour noodles, bursting with the iconic flavors of Tom Yum soup.
Why Guay Tiaw is So Popular
Customizable: Choose your noodles, broth, protein, and spice level. Affordable: A hearty bowl of Guay Tiaw is budget-friendly, usually priced between 30–60 THB (1-2 USD).
Widely Available: Found at street food stalls, restaurants, and floating markets across Thailand.
Dry Noodle - ก๋วยเตี๋ยวแห้ง
Tips for Enjoy
- Taste your soup before adding condiments to appreciate the base flavor.
- Enhance your bowl with condiments, chili flakes, vinegar, sugar and fish sauce provided on the table.
- Mix the noodles well to evenly distribute the toppings and seasonings.
- Pair it with a refreshing drink like Thai iced tea (Cha Yen – ชาเย็น) for a complete meal.
How to Order Guay Tiaw:
1. Pick Your Protein
“Moo” (หมู) – With pork
“Nuea” (เนื้อ) – With beef
“Gai” (ไก่) – With chicken
2. Choose Your Noodles
“Sen Lek” (เส้นเล็ก) – Thin noodles
“Sen Yai” (เส้นใหญ่) – Wide noodles
“Sen Mee” (เส้นหมี่) – Vermicelli rice noodles
“Ba Mee” (บะหมี่) – Egg noodles
3. Select Your Broth:
“Nam Sai” (น้ำใส) – Clear broth
“Nam Tok” (น้ำตก) – Rich, dark broth, with blood
“Tom Yum” (ต้มยำ) – Spicy Tom Yum soup
“Haeng” (แห้ง) – Dry noodles
Order Phrases
"Ao Guay Tiaw Moo Sen Lek Nam Sai krub/ka" (เอาก๋วยเตี๋ยวหมูเส้นเล็กน้ำใส) - "Noodle soup, with pork, thin noodles, clear broth"
"Ao Guay Tiaw Nuea Sen Mee Nam Tok krub/ka" (เอาก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อเส้นหมี่น้ำตก) - "Noodle soup, with beef, Vermicelli rice noodles, Rich broth"
"Ao Guay Tiaw Gai Sen Yai Haeng krub/ka" (เอาก๋วยเตี๋ยวไก่เส้นใหญ่แห้ง) - "Dry Noodle, with chicken, wide noodles"
- Try the phrases and give a comment feedback -