Pad thai, pad see ew, pad ki mao (drunken noodles)—these are some of the popular street food dishes that come to mind when you think of Thailand. But that's not where it stops. Another favourite that the locals especially love is the boat noodles or, as it is locally known, guay view rua.
Now, if you are thinking it would taste more or less the same because it is "just another noodle dish" made using the same spices and herbs, the dish puts up a flavourful surprise. The two major ingredients that give boat noodles that extra oomph are pig or cow blood and dark soy sauce. They are also the reason why the broth sports a deep, dark colour—a departure from the usual vibrant red-coloured broth. Balancing the saltiness of the two ingredients is the generous addition of meat, bean sprouts, spices, fresh herbs, rice noodles and a garnish of pork crackling and basil.