“I recently read in a SCIENCE BOOK,” he said winkingly, “that if you eat vegetables first on an empty stomach ... with his own personal bowl of khao soi. See, this guy knows what to do.

Pulse shallots in a food processor until finely chopped, about 10 pulses. Transfer shallots to a bowl, and set aside. Pulse garlic in food processor until finely chopped, about 6 pulses.

Khao soi is usually served with chicken or beef, which is braised in coconut milk until tender. (Photo: CNA/Pichayada Promchertchoo) A bowl of khao soi will not be complete without its condiments ...

PLATE UP Fellow foodies, prepare for one of the world's all-time great dishes. Khao soi has it all: it's a rich, spicy, tangy, filling noodle soup, a dish of chewy egg noodles drowned in a broth ...