Thai Boat Noodles: A Taste of Authenticity, Tradition, and Nostalgia at Soi 22

Step into the vibrant world of Thailand right here in Frankfurt at our latest culinary hotspot – Soi 22. This new Thai restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving the true taste of Thailand. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be enveloped in the lively ambiance and charming decor that reflects an old tradition uniquely Thai – the boat noodles culture.

The owner, passionate about bringing authentic Thai experience to Germany, has recreated the unique and historic tradition of “boat noodles” (Kuay Teow Reua). Originating from the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767), these noodles were once sold from boats along Thailand’s bustling canals, when canals were the primary means of transportation in many parts of Thailand. Vendors would paddle their boats along canals, preparing and selling bowls of noodles to people on the banks or other passing boats.

With the decline of canal transport, boat noodle markets have made their way to land-based stalls and restaurants, evolving into vibrant cultural and recreational hubs. Soi 22 beautifully mimics this traditional flair with decor like barber shops and massage parlors, creating an atmosphere that transports you straight to a charming miniature version of a Thai boat noodle market.

Before diving into the food, let’s introduce you to two indulgent yet refreshing Thai iced tea creations.

Though not meant for cooling the thirst, these sweet, refreshing treats are perfect for balancing the bold, spiced Thai flavors, making them a hit for those who love rich, dessert-like drinks.

Soi 22’s carefully selected starters bring the authentic flavors of the Thai night market right to your table, featuring popular local snacks like crispy wontons and crispy pork fat. You won’t want to miss the A1 Grilled Pork Balls and A4 Steamed Spicy Prawn Wontons— the absolute must-try dishes at Soi 22.

A1 Grilled Pork Balls features nine freshly handmade pork balls, served on three skewers and topped with cilantro and a slice of red bell pepper.

Expertly crafted, the meat balls taste incredibly fresh and bouncy, offering a satisfyingly firm texture. The slightly charred surface adds a delightful chewiness and smoky flavor. Generously dip them in the sauce for a blend of smoky, tangy, sweet and subtly spicy notes. It wonderfully enriches the savory, umami-packed meat balls, adding tantalizing layers of taste to every bite!

A4 Steamed Spicy Prawn Wontons is a dish that had the diner next to us exclaiming “seafood paradise!” And we wouldn’t disagree.

This exquisite dish features three meticulously crafted wontons, each generously filled with two succulent black tiger prawns. Bathed in a dark, aromatic fish sauce and topped with cilantro and fresh chili, these wontons are a true taste sensation.

Each wonton bursts with natural sweetness of juicy prawns, perfectly complemented by the bold spices. The delicate steamed wrapper is soft and slightly chewy, melting in your mouth and beautifully contrasting with the firm, plump prawns inside.

The accompanying spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet fish sauce enhances the overall flavor. Be warned, the sauce packs quite a spicy punch, but it’s this heat that makes the dish so invigorating. Take a bite, and you’ll be hit with an exhilarating blend of textures and flavors—the tender prawn filling, the soft wonton wrapper, and the spicy, umami sauce.

For those who find the spice level too intense, the sweet Thai drinks can be your remedy here. But trust us, every spicy, flavorful bite of these wontons is worth the heat. It’s truly a piece of seafood paradise.

Now, let’s dive into the main event—Thai boat noodles! These come with a dark, luscious broth, known for its rich and intense flavors, thanks to a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes even pig or cow blood for added depth and thickness. At Soi 22, they stick to tradition with a moderate portion of broth, just like in the old days when rickety boats were prone to spillage. But don’t worry— if you want more, you can get extra broth at no extra charge.

For your noodle bowl, you can choose from a variety of ingredients, including tender beef, flavorful beef balls, and a selection of offal. Each dish is accompanied with Thai basil and crisp bean sprouts for a burst of freshness and crunch.

N6. Nam Tok Wagyu A5 Sliced Wagyu takes Thai boat noodles to a whole new level. This dish features premium A5 Wagyu beef, sliced thinly and served raw, flaunting its rich marbling and vibrant red color. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, promising a succulent, beefy sensation.

Generously layered over the noodles, the raw Wagyu is cooked right at your table. Watch in awe as the staff pours hot broth over the beef, transforming it into juicy tenderness right before your eyes. This theatrical cooking process ensures the Wagyu’s buttery richness is preserved at its freshest, elevating the dish to luxurious heights.

The dark, robust broth, infused with a complex blend of spices, herbs, and a hint of tanginess, superbly complements the rich, savory Wagyu. Fresh Thai basil and crisp bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch and balance to the rich flavors.

Be sure to stir the noodles right after adding the broth, as the thick, flavorful concoction can make the noodles mushy if left still for too long. Each mouthful delivers a tantalizing mix of tender beef, rich broth, and vibrant toppings — a lavish twist on traditional Thai boat noodles that is sure to impress.

N5. Nam Tok All-In is the epitome of authentic Thai boat noodles, uniting a delectable assortment of beef components in one bowl. This dish features sliced beef, braised beef, beef balls, tendon, liver, and tripe, delivering a genuine taste of traditional Thai flavors.

The variety of beef cuts are staples in classic Thai boat noodles, making it a top choice for those craving an authentic taste of Thailand.

The only dessert offer at Soi 22 is the E1. Original Khanom Thuay, and it’s nothing short of extraordinary. This steamed coconut pudding has a smooth texture and a rich, layered flavor.

Khanom Thuay consists of two layers: a silky, slightly salty coconut custard on top and a subtly sweet, steamed rice flour base below. The bottom layer is tender and smooth, while the top layer is luxuriously creamy, bursting with aromatic coconut flavor.

At the end of our meal, we were treated to a sweet surprise not listed on the menu: Palm Sugar, Milk, and Coconut Dessert, a complimentary goodie on the house. This dessert features a soft, cake-like base that’s lightly spongy and sweetened with palm sugar, giving it a warm, golden color and a rich, earthy sweetness.

Crowned with shredded coconut, it lends an enjoyable chewiness and a hint of nutty flavor, highlighting the dessert’s subtle tropical notes. The coconut’s slightly fibrous texture contrasts nicely with the soft, airy base, combining the indulgent sweetness with a pleasantly light touch.

The atmosphere at Soi 22 is infectious, as every guest seems to revel in delicious food and joyful mood. The staff greets every guest with traditional, heartfelt gestures—hands pressed together and a gentle “sawadika” (hello in Thai), a subtle bow that speaks volumes of their grace and humility. In quieter moments, the owner himself would take the time to chat, sharing stories about each dish, from its origins in Thailand to the influences from neighboring countries. His passion for the cuisine and the restaurant was palpable.

Soi 22 is undoubtedly a taste of authentic Thai fare. More than that, it’s an immersion into a slice of Thailand’s soul, where simplicity and authenticity shine brightest, steeped in tradition, warmth and a sprinkle of nostalgia.