What is pad thai?

What is Pad Thai?

Pad thai (ผัดไทย) was popularized in the 1940s as a national dish of Thailand. Rice noodles are stir-fried over very high heat with egg, protein, and a tamarind-based sauce. The dish is finished with crushed peanuts, dried shrimp, bean sprouts, and green onion. Condiments (fish sauce, chilli flakes, sugar, vinegar) come separately.

Taste and texture

Sweet, sour, and slightly salty — the tamarind gives it a fruity tanginess, fish sauce adds umami saltiness, and palm sugar rounds it out. The dish has a slight smokiness from the wok. Peanuts add crunch.

Typical ingredients

• Flat rice noodles (sen lek)
• Egg
• Chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• Tamarind paste
• Fish sauce
• Palm sugar
• Crushed roasted peanuts
• Bean sprouts
• Green onion
• Dried shrimp
• Garlic or shallots

Common allergens to ask about

The following allergens are commonly present in Pad Thai. Ingredient lists vary by restaurant — always confirm with your server if you have dietary restrictions.

• Peanuts
• Fish (fish sauce, dried shrimp)
• Shellfish (shrimp)
• Egg
• Soy (tofu version)

How it's served

On a plate or in a bowl. Condiments are always brought separately — fish sauce, sugar, chilli flakes, and vinegar — to adjust to taste. Usually garnished with lime wedge and sometimes banana blossom or bean sprouts on the side.

Order it if you like…

Order it if you want a mild-to-medium, familiar noodle dish. It's a good starting point for Thai food because it's sweet and tangy rather than aggressively spicy.

Similar dishes

Pad See Ew · Green Curry · See all dishes in the dictionary

Reading the menu that lists Pad Thai

Use ChefBear to scan the menu and see every dish — including Pad Thai — with a photo, description, and a recommendation for your taste. For a full guide to Thai menus, see how to read a Thai menu.

Frequently asked questions

Is pad thai gluten-free?

The noodles are made from rice flour, so they're naturally gluten-free. However, some versions use soy sauce which contains wheat. Fish sauce and oyster sauce (sometimes added) can also contain gluten. Confirm with the restaurant.

Is pad thai spicy?

Standard pad thai is not spicy — the base sauce is sweet and tangy. Chilli flakes are served on the side for those who want heat.

What protein should I choose for pad thai?

All common — chicken is mild and pairs well with the sweet sauce; shrimp adds briny flavour; tofu gives a neutral texture. Mixed shrimp and chicken is also an option at many restaurants.