Mi krop
In its own language: หมี่กรอบ
Crispy rice noodles in a tangy-sweet sauce from Thailand
Mi krop is a Thai dish of deep-fried rice vermicelli tossed in a sweet and sour sauce. The sauce often features a sharp citrus flavor from a local fruit, and the noodles are mixed with items like tofu, shrimp, or pork. Mi krop is served as a crisp, flavorful noodle dish and is well known in Bangkok.
- Mi krop means 'crisp noodles' in Thai
- A local citrus fruit gives the sauce its tangy note
- Linked to a legend about King Rama V in Bangkok
- Can be made with tofu, shrimp, or pork
- Mentioned in several American TV shows
What is Mi krop?
Mi krop is a dish from Thailand featuring thin rice noodles that are fried until crisp. These noodles are then combined with a sauce that balances sweetness and tartness, often using a local citrus fruit for its sharp aroma. The dish may include pieces of tofu, shrimp, or pork, and is commonly topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and sometimes strips of fried egg. The result is a plate of crunchy noodles coated in a glossy, tangy sauce, with a mix of savory and bright flavors.
Where does Mi krop come from?
Mi krop has roots in Thai cooking and is especially linked to Bangkok. A well-known story tells of King Rama V, who, while traveling by boat, was drawn by the scent of noodles being cooked by a Chinese immigrant named Chin Li in the Talad Phlu area. The king enjoyed the dish so much that it gained a new name in his honor. Today, restaurants in Talad Phlu and Phra Nakhon are still recognized for their versions of mi krop, keeping the connection to its legendary beginnings.
How is Mi krop made?
To prepare mi krop, thin rice vermicelli is deep-fried until it becomes light and crunchy. The noodles are then tossed with a sauce that combines citrus juice, fish sauce, tomato paste, sugar, chili, and kaffir lime leaves, giving it a sweet and tangy profile. Tofu, shrimp, or pork are fried separately and added to the noodles. Garnishes such as scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, chili, and thin strips of fried egg are added before serving, making the dish colorful and aromatic.
How and when is Mi krop eaten?
Mi krop is usually enjoyed as a main course at lunch or dinner. It is served on its own or sometimes as part of a larger meal. The dish is popular in Bangkok, where it can be found in both restaurants and street stalls. Diners often share it with others, and it is common to eat it alongside other Thai dishes. The crisp texture and lively sauce make it a favorite for those who enjoy a mix of sweet, sour, and savory tastes.
Kinds of Mi krop
While the classic version uses rice noodles and a sweet-sour sauce, mi krop can be made with different proteins such as tofu, shrimp, or pork, or a mix of these. Some cooks add extra garnishes like fried egg strips or more fresh herbs. Certain restaurants in Bangkok are known for their unique takes, and the dish may be named differently in honor of its history or a famous patron.
What Mi krop means
Mi krop holds a place in Thai food culture, especially in Bangkok, where it is associated with local legends and well-known restaurants. Its connection to King Rama V is celebrated in the names given to some versions. The dish has also appeared in international pop culture, being mentioned in television series from the United States, which has helped introduce it to a wider audience.
Questions people ask about Mi krop
What is mi krop made of?
Mi krop is made from thin rice vermicelli noodles that are deep-fried until crispy. The noodles are tossed with a sweet and sour sauce and can include tofu, shrimp, pork, or a combination. Garnishes like herbs, bean sprouts, and fried egg strips are often added.
Where does mi krop come from?
Mi krop comes from Thailand and is especially associated with Bangkok. It is linked to a story about King Rama V and is served in well-known restaurants in the city.
What gives mi krop its unique flavor?
The dish gets its distinctive sweet and tangy taste from a sauce made with citrus juice, fish sauce, tomato paste, sugar, chili, and kaffir lime leaves. A local Thai citrus fruit is often used for its aromatic peel.
Is mi krop always made with meat?
No, mi krop can be made with tofu for a vegetarian option, or with shrimp or pork. Some versions use a mix of these ingredients.
How is mi krop usually served?
Mi krop is typically served as a main dish at lunch or dinner. It is enjoyed on its own or as part of a shared meal, and is often garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and fried egg strips.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Mi krop", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
More from Thailand
All the food of Thailand
Roti canaiரொட்டி சென்னை
🇲🇾 Malaysia and 5 moreUnleavened flatbread tossed thin and cooked until crisp, served with curry or dal
Bread, Breakfast, Snacks
KabochaVeganカボチャ
🇯🇵 Japan and 5 moreA sweet, dense winter squash with edible skin, used in Japanese and Asian cooking
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Thingyan riceFish or seafoodသင်္ကြန်ထမင်း
🇲🇲 Myanmar and 1 moreRice in scented water, served cold with fried dried fish for the Burmese New Year
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Its cousins elsewhere
All noodles and pasta
FideuàFish or seafood
🇪🇸 SpainSeafood and noodle dish from the Valencian coast, cooked in a wide shallow pan
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Pasta
🇮🇹 Italy and 1 moreUnleavened dough shaped and cooked, a staple of Italian cuisine
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
SpaghettiVegan
🇮🇹 Italy and 2 moreLong, thin pasta strands made from durum wheat and water
Noodle or pasta dish, Lunch, Dinner
RechtaMeatرشتة
🇩🇿 Algeria and 1 moreAlgerian handmade noodles served with chicken and vegetables in a spiced sauce
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner