Chiang Mai’s Khao-Sō-i to bring award-winning noodles to London with first international restaurant

Chiang Mai-based noodle bar Khao-Sō-i will open its first international outpost in Fitzrovia this October. The restaurant, founded by husband-and-wife team Win Srinavakool and Por Haruethai Noicharoen, is expanding beyond Thailand for the first time, aiming to bring Northern Thai cuisine – particularly the namesake dish khao soi – to a wider international audience.

Originally launched as a modest 25-seat noodle shop in its home city, Khao-Sō-i quickly gained popularity for its signature offering, a coconut-based curry noodle soup also called Khao Soi. The dish, which features both soft and crispy noodles in a rich, spiced broth, was voted the “best soup in the world” by online travel guide TasteAtlas. The eatery’s growing reputation led to a second location in Bangkok before the brand began exploring opportunities abroad. The London expansion follows a sold-out pop-up held in October 2023, where the team reportedly served over 500 guests daily.

The Fitzrovia location places the restaurant in one of London’s most diverse dining districts, which has seen a recent increase in interest in regional Asian cuisines. Its arrival adds to a growing number of establishments in the capital that are moving beyond the standard fare to showcase lesser-known regional specialities. Khao-Sō-i’s UK operations will be overseen by Oliver Darrington, whose previous experience at London’s Fallow and over 16 years living in Thailand give him both operational expertise and cultural familiarity, according to the company.

While Khao-Sō-i has not yet confirmed an exact opening date or menu details for the London site, the restaurant is expected to focus on traditional Northern Thai dishes, with khao soi remaining the centrepiece. The opening marks a significant development for the brand as it seeks to establish a permanent presence in the international dining scene.

Food Desk

Khao-Sō-i opens in October 2025 at 9-10 Market Place, London W1W 8AQ. For further information, visit the restaurant’s website here.