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Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles are both classic rice noodle dishes originating from Thailand, packed full of spices, delicious vegetables and scrumptious sauces. While they seem fairly similar dishes, and in fact do look quite similar, this is where the similarities actually end. Let’s take a look at the differences between Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles.
Pad Thai
Often renowned as the national dish of Thailand, Pad Thai is the most popular dish ordered in Thia restaurants. Usually made with thinner rice sticks than Drunken Noodles, the flavour profile is characterised by rich and vibrant flavours. The noodles, which are usually ¼ inch I thickness, are interlaced with the savoury sauce. Once cooked and plated, this dish is often served with crushed peanuts on top, and with a wedge of lime, squeezed over the top for garnish.
Drunken Noodles
Drunken Noodles vary across different regions, however, some ingredients are consistent with each variation, for example, there is almost always protein, Thai Basil, and baby corn. Drunken Noodles are often referred to as pad ki mao, pad kimao, and phat khi mao.
Taste & Ingredients
While they include some similar ingredients, Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles could not taste more different. One is nuttier and sweeter, while the other is spicy and savoury.
Pad Thai is rice noodles in a sauce that is made with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. This dish usually includes a protein, such as chicken topped with crushed peanuts. The bold flavour profile is nutty and relatively sweet, with a crunchiness that perfectly complements the tamarind paste.
Drunken Noodles includes more vegetables, in a thicker, savoury sauce that is made using oyster sauce, soy sauce and fish sauce. Drunken Noodles also includes a protein, but it usually favours pork over chicken and vegetable such as snow peas, baby corn and Thai basil, which is what gives this dish its spice.
Calorie Count
Both dishes have a moderate calorie count and like most Thai food, they offer soe health benefits. Equally, both dishes can be made even healthier simply by replacing the protein with tofu.
Pad Thai has roughly 357 calories per cup, depending on the recipe, while Drunk Noodles contain approximately 323 calories per cup, again depending on the recipe. So, although they share similar ingredients, their calorie counts are different.
Try them for yourself
Now you know the technical differences between the two dishes, the next thing you should do is sample each one for yourself, enjoy the exotic flavours they offer, taste the difference for yourself and determine which one has your favourite flavour profile.
If these two dishes have whetted your appetite, discover what else Thai cuisine has to offer with our guide to the top 10 most popular Thai dishes to try.