A beloved noodle soup from Myanmar's Shan State, this comforting bowl features tender rice noodles in a clear tomato-tinged broth topped with poached chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs. It strikes the perfect balance of light, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that make it a beloved street food across Myanmar.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
Yield4 bowls
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 560 kcalCalories
- 18 gFat
- 4 gSaturated Fat
- 62 gCarbs
- 4 gFiber
- 5 gSugar
- 38 gProtein
- 980 mgSodium
- 720 mgPotassium
- 90 mgCalcium
- 3.5 mgIron
- 14 mgVitamin C
- 180 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the chicken and broth
- 1.5 lb (700 g) bone-in chicken thighs
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water
- 1-inch piece ginger, smashed
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp chickpea flour (optional thickener)
For the noodles and topping
- 14 oz (400 g) fresh thin rice noodles
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, crushed
- 1/3 cup pickled mustard greens, chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Chili oil or crushed dried chili, to taste
Directions
- Place chicken thighs, water, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and salt in a large pot; bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, skimming any foam that rises.
- Remove chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat and discard bones. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
- Add fish sauce and tomatoes to the broth and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes soften; mash them slightly and stir in chickpea flour if a slightly thicker body is desired.
- Meanwhile, soak or blanch the rice noodles according to package directions until just tender; drain and divide among 4 large bowls.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with a touch more fish sauce or salt; ladle hot broth over the noodles in each bowl.
- Top each bowl with shredded chicken, crushed peanuts, pickled mustard greens, sesame seeds, scallions, cilantro, and red onion.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and chili oil on the side so each diner can customize brightness and heat to taste.
Cook’s Notes
- For an authentic touch, char the tomato halves directly over a flame before adding them to the broth for a smoky depth.
- Pickled mustard greens ( Myanmar: ) are non-negotiable for true Shan flavor; substitute with lightly pickled Chinese sui choy if unavailable.
- Use freshly made rice noodles from an Asian market if possible – they have a delicate chew that dried noodles cannot match.
- Adjust broth intensity by simmering the bones longer, or swap chicken thighs for pork ribs for a richer, traditional variation.
- Add a spoonful of the chili oil at the table to bring the dish to its signature Shan-spicy finish.










