Pad Thai — The Most Popular Thai Dish

Pad Thai is not just a dish, it's a symbol of Thai cuisine, known worldwide. Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, shrimp or chicken, seasoned with sweet and sour tamarind sauce and topped with peanuts — this dish has won the hearts of millions of people around the world. In this article, we'll tell you about the history of Pad Thai, its ingredients, where to try it best in Thailand, and share the secrets of preparing this legendary dish.

What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is a traditional Thai dish of stir-fried rice noodles cooked in a wok (deep pan) with egg, tofu, shrimp or chicken. The dish is seasoned with tamarind sauce, fish sauce, sugar and lime juice, creating a unique balance of sour, sweet, salty and spicy flavors. The finished dish is topped with crushed peanuts and served with bean sprouts, lime wedges and sometimes banana flower.

Pad Thai is not just food, it's part of Thai culture and history. The dish was created in the 1930s as part of a campaign to promote Thai national identity.

History of Pad Thai

Interestingly, Pad Thai is a relatively young dish in Thai cuisine. It was created in the 1930s by Thai Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram as part of a campaign to promote Thai national identity and reduce dependence on rice. The government distributed Pad Thai recipes throughout the country, and the dish quickly became popular due to its taste, affordability and nutritional value.

Today, Pad Thai is one of the most recognizable Thai dishes in the world and a must-have item on the menu of any Thai restaurant outside Thailand.

Pad Thai Ingredients

Classic Pad Thai consists of the following main ingredients:

Main components:

• Rice noodles (sen lek) — thin flat noodles
• Eggs — usually 1-2 eggs per serving
• Protein — shrimp, chicken, tofu or their combination
• Tofu — fried tofu, cut into cubes

Sauce:

• Tamarind sauce — adds sour taste
• Fish sauce (nam pla) — adds saltiness and umami
• Palm sugar — for sweetness
• Lime juice — for freshness

Garnishes:

• Crushed peanuts
• Bean sprouts
• Lime wedges
• Green onions
• Cilantro (optional)
• Chili pepper (optional, for spiciness)

Where to Try the Best Pad Thai

In Phuket

In Phuket, Pad Thai is prepared especially well. Street stalls offer this dish for 50-80 baht, and often the street version is tastier than the restaurant one. Local chefs prepare Pad Thai every day and know all the secrets of its preparation. Stalls at Weekend Market and Chillva Market are especially popular.

In Bangkok

Bangkok — the capital of Thailand and a place where you can find Pad Thai for every taste. From street stalls in the Khao San area to fine dining restaurants — everyone will find their perfect Pad Thai here. Stalls in the Yaowarat (Chinatown) area and at Chatuchak Market are especially famous.

At Street Stalls

Street stalls are the best place to try authentic Pad Thai. Chefs prepare the dish right before your eyes in huge woks, using traditional techniques. Prices here are the most affordable — from 50 to 80 baht per serving.

Advantages of street stalls:

• Freshly prepared dish
• Authentic taste
• Low prices
• Opportunity to watch the cooking process

Varieties of Pad Thai

Pad Thai with Shrimp (Pad Thai Goong)

Classic version with large fresh shrimp. Shrimp are fried together with noodles, giving the dish a special seafood aroma.

Pad Thai with Chicken (Pad Thai Gai)

Popular version with chicken cut into thin strips. Chicken is quickly fried and remains juicy and tender.

Pad Thai with Tofu (Pad Thai Tofu)

Vegetarian version with fried tofu. Tofu absorbs the sauce and becomes very aromatic.

Pad Thai with Seafood (Pad Thai Talay)

Luxury version with various seafood: shrimp, squid, mussels and crab.

How to Order Pad Thai

When ordering Pad Thai in Thailand, you can specify your preferences:

• "Mai phet" — not spicy
• "Phet nit noi" — a little spicy
• "Phet mak" — very spicy
• "Mai sai prik" — without chili pepper
• "Mai sai namtan" — without sugar (less sweet)

Pad Thai Recipe (Basic)

Although it's better to try the original in Thailand, here's a basic recipe for home cooking:

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 200g rice noodles
• 2 eggs
• 150g shrimp or chicken
• 100g tofu
• 2 tbsp tamarind sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp palm sugar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 50g bean sprouts
• 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
• Lime for serving

Preparation:

1. Soak noodles in warm water for 30 minutes
2. Heat a wok or large pan
3. Fry garlic and tofu
4. Add shrimp or chicken
5. Add eggs and mix
6. Add noodles and sauces
7. Mix all ingredients
8. Serve with peanuts, bean sprouts and lime

Tips for Tourists

1. Try at street stalls — it's cheaper and often tastier than in restaurants. Street chefs prepare this dish every day and know all the secrets.

2. Don't be afraid to experiment — try different versions: with shrimp, chicken, tofu or seafood.

3. Add spiciness gradually — if you're not used to spicy food, start with "phet nit noi" (a little spicy).

4. Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for Pad Thai near you, taking into account your preferences and budget.

5. Try in different cities — Pad Thai can differ depending on the region. In Phuket it's prepared with special attention to detail.

Conclusion

Pad Thai is more than just a dish. It's a symbol of Thai cuisine that unites people around the world. From street stalls in Phuket to fine dining restaurants in Bangkok — Pad Thai is prepared differently everywhere, but always with love and skill. Try this dish in different places, and you'll discover all the diversity of its flavors. Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for Pad Thai near you!