Northern Thai Recipes
How to Make Phayao-Style Pla Soi Northern Laab
May 22, 2026 · 9 min read
Pla soi laab is a rare Northern Thai dish made with small freshwater fish.
Phayao-style laab emphasizes ma-khwaen, roasted laab spices, and deep local aroma.
Fresh fish, low-heat roasting, and local herbs are the key to its flavor.
Pla soi Northern laab is a rare local dish full of Lanna kitchen character.
It is known for aromatic laab spices, deep local flavor, ma-khwaen fragrance, and finely prepared fresh fish.
What Is Pla Soi Laab?
Pla soi laab is a Northern Thai dish made with small freshwater fish and prepared in the style of Northern laab.
It is mixed with laab spices, roasted chilies, ma-khwaen, fried shallots, and local herbs, then eaten with sticky rice, crispy pork rind, and local vegetables.
What Makes Phayao-Style Pla Soi Laab Special?
Phayao-style laab is known for clear ma-khwaen aroma, roasted spice fragrance, deep local taste, and a lingering herbal scent.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh pla soi fish 500 g
- Sliced shallots
- Spring onion and coriander
- Culantro
- Mint
- Roasted dried chili powder
- Fried garlic
Northern Laab Spices
- Ma-khwaen
- Long pepper
- Coriander seed
- Roasted Northern chilies
- Roasted galangal
- Roasted garlic
How to Make Pla Soi Northern Laab
1. Prepare the Fish
Clean the pla soi fish. Grill or roast over low heat until cooked and aromatic. Some recipes finely remove bones for a smoother texture.
2. Roast the Laab Spices
Roast ma-khwaen, dried chilies, long pepper, and galangal until aromatic, then pound them together.
3. Mix the Laab
Mix the fish with laab spices, chili powder, shallots, culantro, and spring onion. Season to taste.
4. Finish With Fried Garlic
Top with fried garlic, mint, and coriander for a Lanna-style aroma.
What Goes Well With Pla Soi Laab?
- Hot sticky rice
- Crispy pork rind
- Hog plum shoots
- Fish mint
- Long beans
- Cucumber
Northern Kitchen Tips
Use low heat to roast spices, use real ma-khwaen, and choose very fresh fish for natural sweetness and a clean flavor.
Product Recommendation
KHUA Phayao Northern Laab Chili Paste is roasted in the traditional Lanna style and helps create deep Northern laab aroma at home.
FAQ
What is pla soi laab?
Pla soi laab is a Northern Thai local dish made with pla soi fish in the style of Northern laab.
What fish is used?
It uses pla soi, a small freshwater fish found in Northern Thailand.
What goes well with pla soi laab?
It is commonly eaten with sticky rice, crispy pork rind, and local Northern vegetables.
Why is Northern laab aromatic?
Because it uses roasted spices and Lanna herbs.