Probably the best noodles on Koh Chang
Rangsit Boat noodles opened in early 2023 and was an instant favourite of noodle lovers. Noodles aren’t a complicated dish. Making them is pretty simple really. The secret to making good noodles lies in the quality of the ingredients used and, especially, the flavour of the broth.
Too many noodle shops skimp on quality and use fatty or untenderized meat. Or change a low price but for a miniscule serving that requires you to eat a few bowls at a time. And, most commonly, the broth is hastily made and lacking in taste.
The shop is a franchise of a well known boat noodle company based in Rangsit, a suburb or northern Bangkok. The owner took the time to not only buy the franchise but also learn how to make traditional, flavour packed broth – for which Rangsit boat noodles are famous for.
The dish is made with broth that is simmered for hours with pork or beef bones, herbs, and spices. Boat noodles are said to have originated in the early 20th century, when boat vendors would paddle their boats up and down the canals of Rangsit, selling noodles to the locals. The vendors would cook the noodles in large pots over open fires, and the smell of the flavorful broth would waft through the air and attract customers.
Ordering noodles is relatively easy. The first choice is the meat – pork or beef. Then you can choose to have it dry or with broth (most people will have the broth) And finally the type of noodle you prefer. There are a few types Sen Yai: wide flat noodles, Sen Lek: thin noodles ( the most common), Sen Mii: Very thin noodle, Bamee: egg noodles, Mama: instant noodles – named after the brand of the same name.
This is a no frills place, a small open sided restaurant with some outdoor seating too when it gets very busy – which it often is at lunchtime.
Definitely worth trying if you are staying in the area and also worth seeking out if you want the best noodles on the island. Open daily from 09:00 – 16:00.
Price: $
Photos:
Location: A few metres off the main road on the side street leading to Coral Resort in the centre of Kai Bae village.
These restaurant reviews are just my thoughts on a place at the time I visited. I’ll mention if I know the owner well or get any freebies. But for the most of the time I am happy to play tourist and don’t mention this site at all. Obviously it isn’t possible to sample every dish on the menu and the type of food you have for lunch will differ to evening. In addition, owners and more importantly chefs, can change and your experience may differ from mine. If it does, post a comment below.