Pad Thai is quintessentially Thai and a must-try for anyone visiting Bangkok. The stir-fried noodle dish is well-known for the variety of flavors it presents, such as sweet and sour. The dish comprises thin rice noodles stir-fried with green onions, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts. Then, protein is added, such as tofu, chicken, shrimp, or pork alongside tangy sauce that is made from tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Some places to try Pad Thai include Thip Samai, Pad Thai Ekkamai, and Thaan Kheay Thod. And for those feeling adventurous, there is an easy recipe to follow.
The Best Pad Thai in Bangkok: A Guide to the City’s Top Spots
Introduction:
Pad Thai is one of the most beloved dishes in Thailand and a must-try for anyone who visits Bangkok. It’s a stir-fried noodle dish that’s filled with a medley of different flavors, from the sweet tamarind sauce to the sour lime and the spicy chili flakes that top it off. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best places to try Pad Thai in Bangkok and even give you a recipe for making the dish yourself.
What Makes Pad Thai so Special?
Pad Thai is a dish that’s full of flavor and texture. It starts with thin rice noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables like bean sprouts, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Then, tofu, chicken, shrimp or pork is added to the mix, along with a tangy sauce made from tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. The dish is finally finished off with a sprinkling of dried chili flakes and a heap of fresh coriander leaves.
The Best Places to Eat Pad Thai in Bangkok:
1. Thip Samai: Thip Samai is one of the most famous restaurants in Bangkok for Pad Thai. They’re known for their incredible ‘Pad Thai Thip Samai’ dish, which features a generous double helping of stir-fried noodles cooked to perfection. The dish is garnished with shrimp and has a rich, savory taste that’s hard to beat.
2. Pad Thai Ekkamai: Another popular Pad Thai spot in Bangkok is Pad Thai Ekkamai. This restaurant is located in the trendy Ekkamai district and is a favorite among locals. Their Pad Thai is cooked in front of you and is renowned for its generous helpings of shrimp and the freshness of the ingredients.
3. Thaan Kheay Thod: This is another Pad Thai restaurant that’s popular among both locals and tourists. The restaurant is located in the old city near Grand Palace and serves up some of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. Their Pad Thai noodles are crispy and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
How to Make Pad Thai:
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making Pad Thai at home, you’re in luck. Here’s a recipe that’s easy to follow and will result in a delicious, authentic-tasting Pad Thai dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of rice noodles
– 1/2 cup of firm tofu, diced
– 1/2 cup of small shrimp or sliced chicken breast
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of bean sprouts, washed and drained
– 2 green onions, sliced thinly
– 1/4 cup of roasted unsalted peanuts, crushed
– 2 tbsp of oil (peanut or vegetable oil)
– 1 tbsp of tamarind paste
– 2 tbsp of fish sauce
– 1 tbsp of palm sugar
– 1 lime
– Dried chili flakes, to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Instructions:
1. Place the rice noodles in a bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for 10-15 minutes until the noodles have softened. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar together. Set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and fry for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the tofu and shrimp (or chicken) to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they’re cooked through.
5. Add the bean sprouts and green onions to the wok and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they’re cooked but still crispy.
6. Add the noodles to the wok, followed by the tamarind sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce and everything is heated through.
7. Remove from heat and squeeze the lime over the top of the noodles. Sprinkle with chili flakes and crushed peanuts, to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re trying Pad Thai for the first time or are already a fan of the dish, there are plenty of places in Bangkok where you can find amazing Pad Thai noodles. Follow our guide to the city’s top spots, or try making the dish at home using our easy-to-follow recipe. With the right ingredients and some practice, you’ll be cooking up the best Pad Thai in no time.