Northern Thai Recipes
How to Make Phayao Koi Kung: Northern Thai Fresh Shrimp Salad
May 22, 2026 · 9 min read
Phayao koi kung reflects the food life around Kwan Phayao.
It combines fresh freshwater shrimp, roasted laab spices, ma-khwaen, and Lanna herbs.
Low-heat roasting and fresh shrimp are the keys to aroma and clean sweetness.
Koi kung Phayao is a local Northern Thai dish that reflects life around Kwan Phayao.
It is known for fresh freshwater shrimp, aromatic laab spices, Lanna herbs, and bold local flavor.
What Is Koi Kung Phayao?
Koi kung is made by mixing fresh freshwater shrimp with Northern laab spices, roasted chilies, ma-khwaen, shallots, and local herbs.
What Makes Phayao-Style Koi Kung Special?
Phayao-style koi kung emphasizes clear ma-khwaen aroma, roasted spices, deep local flavor, and the natural sweetness of shrimp.
Ingredients
- Fresh freshwater shrimp 300 g
- Sliced shallots
- Spring onion
- Culantro
- Mint
- Roasted dried chili powder
- Ma-khwaen
- Long pepper
- Roasted galangal
- Roasted garlic
How to Make Koi Kung Phayao
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Clean the shrimp, peel, and devein. Some recipes lightly blanch the shrimp for sweetness and comfort.
2. Roast the Laab Spices
Roast ma-khwaen, Northern chilies, long pepper, and galangal over low heat, then pound together.
3. Mix the Koi Kung
Mix shrimp with laab spices, chili powder, shallots, spring onion, and culantro. Season to taste.
What Goes Well With Koi Kung?
- Hot sticky rice
- Crispy pork rind
- Fish mint
- Hog plum shoots
- Cucumber
- Long beans
Koi Kung and Life Around Kwan Phayao
Koi kung Phayao reflects community life, simple food wisdom, freshwater ingredients, and Lanna herbs.
Product Recommendation
KHUA Phayao Northern Laab Chili Paste is roasted with traditional Lanna spices and works beautifully for koi, laab, and local Northern dishes.
FAQ
What is koi kung Phayao?
It is a local Northern Thai dish made with freshwater shrimp, laab spices, and herbs.
How is koi different from laab?
Koi emphasizes fresh ingredients, while laab often emphasizes chopping and roasted spice intensity.
What goes well with koi kung?
Sticky rice, crispy pork rind, and Northern local vegetables.
What is ma-khwaen?
Ma-khwaen is a Northern Thai spice with a distinctive aroma and gentle tingling sensation.