Sometimes you just need a warm bowl of noodle soup to help fight off the winter blues, and Metro Vancouver has plenty of options. From ramen to pho, there are plenty of spots offering comforting bowls of goodness. But one spot gearing up to open in Burnaby is serving something a little different: boat noodle soup.
Captain Thai Noodle House is a new Burnaby Thai restaurant specializing in the dish, which it says is reminiscent of Thailand’s bustling river markets. The spot claims to be one of very few that offers this delicacy in Metro Vancouver.
But you may be wondering: what are boat noodles?
Captain Thai described boat noodles as “a flavour-rich Thai soup.” It originated from Thailand’s historic aquatic lifestyle, which Captain Thai Noodle said was “where trade and commerce were predominantly conducted between boats or along the riverbanks.”
“This tradition included noodle vendors operating from small boats, managing all aspects of the business (cooking noodles, preparing soup, serving dishes, collecting payments, and washing dishes) single-handedly while afloat. Eventually, these vendors moved ashore, setting up shop in huts, roadside stalls, or on larger boats moored along the riverbanks to sell their boat noodles.”
What makes boat noodles so special is its broth, which is a dark brown soup with plenty of spices and a savoury sweetness. It can be served with pork, beef, or chicken.
“In the Greater Vancouver area, a plethora of restaurants are serving Japanese ramen, Vietnamese pho, and various Chinese noodles,” said the restaurant. “However, Thai noodle dishes, particularly boat noodles, remain a rare gem. Few have heard of or tasted boat noodles, and even fewer Thai restaurants offer them.”
Captain Thai’s menu includes more than just boat noodles. It also serves Tom Yum Prawn Noodle Soup and Fish Ball Noodle in Light Broth, alongside tasty snacks like deep-fried chicken wings and fish balls with an assortment of dips.
Captain Thai Noodle House softly opens on Saturday, November 9.
Are you excited about this new boat noodle spot? Let us know in the comments.
Captain Thai Noodle House
Address: 4685 Kingsway, Burnaby
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