Yen Ta Fo (เย็นตาโฟ)
A Unique Thai Pink Noodle Soup
Yen Ta Fo (เย็นตาโฟ) is a vibrant and flavorful Thai noodle soup known for its distinctive pink hue. This dish is beloved for its sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, combined with a variety of ingredients that make every bite exciting.
Yen Ta Fo - เย็นตาโฟ
What is Yen Ta Fo?
The defining feature of Yen Ta Fo is its pink broth, made using fermented red bean curd (Tao Hu Yee – เต้าหู้ยี้) or a specially flavored pink sauce. The broth is a balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly salty flavors.
Typical ingredients include:
Noodles : Choose from wide rice noodles (Sen Yai), thin rice noodles (Sen Lek), or vermicelli (Sen Mee).Toppings : Fish balls, fried tofu, squid, morning glory, crispy wontons, and sometimes seafood like shrimp or crab.
Broth : Enhanced with garlic, vinegar, sugar, and a hint of chili, creating a complex, umami-packed flavor.
Why is Yen Ta Fo Special?
Unique Pink Color : The striking pink broth is visually appealing and unlike any other Thai noodle dish.Flavor Balance : Sweet, sour, and savory elements come together in harmony.
Variety of Textures: From tender noodles to crispy wontons and chewy seafood, each bite is a delight.
Customizable : Easily tailored to suit your taste with a choice of noodles and spice levels.
How to Eat Yen Ta Fo
- Mix the Ingredients : Stir the bowl to evenly distribute the toppings and sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Customize with Condiments : Adjust the taste with chili flakes, vinegar, sugar, or fish sauce from the table.
- Pair with a Drink : Enjoy with Thai iced tea or fresh coconut water for a refreshing combo.
Where to Find Yen Ta Fo
Street Food Stalls : Common at noodle vendors and floating markets across Thailand.Local Eateries : Found at food courts, small restaurants, and casual roadside spots.
Specialty Shops : Some noodle shops specialize in Yen Ta Fo, offering premium toppings like shrimp or crab.
Varieties and How to Customize Your Order
1. Noodles :- Sen Yai (เส้นใหญ่) : Wide rice noodles for a soft, chewy texture.
- Sen Lek (เส้นเล็ก) : Thin rice noodles for a light and smooth bite.
- Sen Mee (เส้นหมี่) : Vermicelli noodles for added richness.
- Yen Ta Fo (เย็นตาโฟ) : General, vendors recipe broth.
- Tom Yum (ต้มยำ) : Spicy broth for a savory flavor.
- Mai Phet (ไม่เผ็ด) : Not spicy.
- Phet Noi (เผ็ดน้อย) : A little spicy.
- Phet Mak (เผ็ดมาก) : Very spicy.
Yen Ta Fo Tom Yum
How to Order Yen Ta Fo
1. Choose Your Noodles:“Yen Ta Fo Sen Lek” (เย็นตาโฟเส้นเล็ก) – “Yen Ta Fo with thin rice noodles”
“Yen Ta Fo Sen Yai” (เย็นตาโฟเส้นใหญ่) – “Yen Ta Fo with wide rice noodles”
“Tom Yum” (ต้มยำ) – “Tom Yum Soup”
“Piset” (พิเศษ) – “Extra size”
3. Adjust the Spice:
“Mai Sai Prik” (ไม่ใส่พริก) – “No chili, please.”
“Mai Sai Prik” (ไม่ใส่พริก) – “No chili, please.”
“Mai Phet” (ไม่เผ็ด) – “Not spicy”
4. Takeaway:
“Sai Toong” (ใส่ถุง) – “Put in bag”, means to-goOrder Phrases
"Ao Yen Ta Fo Sen Yai krub/ka" (เอาเย็นตาโฟเส้นใหญ่) - “Yen Ta Fo with wide rice noodles, please”
"Ao Yen Ta Fo Tom Yum Sen Yai krub/ka" (เอาเย็นตาโฟต้มยำเส้นใหญ่) - “Yen Ta Fo with Tom Yum soup, wide rice noodles, please”
"Ao Yen Ta Fo Sen Lek Piset Sai Toong krub/ka" (เอาเย็นตาโฟเส้นเล็กพิเศษใส่ถุง) - “Yen Ta Fo with thin rice noodles in extra size for Take-away, please”
"Ao Yen Ta Fo Tom Yum Sen Yai Piset Phet Noi krub/ka" (เอาเย็นตาโฟต้มยำเส้นใหญ่พิเศษเผ็ดน้อย) - “Yen Ta Fo with Tom Yum soup, wide rice noodles in Extra size and little spicy, please”