Pad Thai

Have you ever seen a Thai person eating Pad Thai?

Only once have I seen a Thai person eating Pad Thai and this was at a restaurant that only served Pad Thai and in fact the best Pad Thai I have tasted so far. This Thai woman was the chef and owner of the restaurant; and it was great to see her serve out plate after plate of Pad Thai and then sit down herself to enjoy.

I personally believe that this is because Thai people know that they have so many other tastier better options: bamboo curries, salted fish, spicy salads, sweet sticky desserts all beats noodles and soy right?

However after asking my Thai friend why tourists flock to eat their 25b Kow Sahn Pad Thai and Thai people would rather eat something different; he said it's because Thai people when they eat they want to eat to feel full for long. An economic way to feel fuller for longer and on a budget is to eat rice. Pad Thai is too light a meal for my friends to pick up, and also eating rice 'Gin Kow' means that many other dishes can be ordered like curries and vegetables in sauce. Allowing you to pick and choose what to spoon onto your rice whilst you share with your family and friends. Equalling a visually, mentally and physically satisfied customer!

Sometimes though a well made Pad Thai is needed, for me this has to include :

• always needs tofu
• bit of tamarind sauce
• folded in an egg
• contains some sort of crunchy element beansprouts and or wood ear mushrooms
• has to have lots and lots of peanut and lime.

These have been my favourite Pad Thai dishes in Thailand

Ko Phi Phi glass noodle Pad Thai

Ayuthaya Pad Thai served on a banana leaf