Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew: The Ultimate Thai Noodle Showdown

When it comes to Thai noodle dishes, Pad Thai is usually the favorite child. It’s a bit sweet, a bit salty, texturally interesting and will almost always show your palette a good time. Pad Thai also has played an important role in Thailand’s history. During WWII, it was used as a way to promote a national identify while simultaneously solving the rice shortage crisis. (Learn more HERE!)

But there’s another Thai noodle dish on the block that’s just as tantalizing: pad see ew. Pad see ew has thicker, chewier noodles with a flavor profile that combines smokiness, sourness, saltiness with a zing of sweet. It’s texturally satisfying with explosive flavor, but is it superior to Pad Thai?

Let’s dive into a Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew showdown.

Component 1: The Noodle

Pad Thai noodles are made with thinner rice noodles while Pad See Ew is made with wider, fatter, and thicker rice noodles.

My Verdict: Both types of noodles are delicious, but I prefer the thick, chewy texture of Pad See Ew.

Component 2: The Sauce

Pad Thai sauce is based around tamarind, fish sauce, and cane sugar. It’s a bit sweet and a bit sour, making for a unique umami flavor. Pad See Ew sauce is all about the soy along with oyster sauce, vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar, making it a more savory dish.

My Verdict: While Pad See Ew sauce is rich and savory, I prefer the unique flavor combinations of Pad Thai.

Component 3: The Toppings

Pad Thai usually has a combination of vegetables and is topped with crushed peanuts and lime. Pad See Ew is traditionally made with broccoli and other greens.  

My Verdict: While I love the flavor of crushed peanuts in Pad Thai, I appreciate the nutritional component of greens in Pad See Ew. Thus, it’s a tie between Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew.

Component 4: Overall Flavor

Pad Thai toggles the line between sweet and savory. It has pops of sour and tickles of acid that make for an exciting flavor journey. Pad See Ew has sweet and savory notes, but it also has a deep charred flavor that comes from flash frying the vegetables as well as the noodles. The almost smokey flavor adds a rich depth that is simply exquisite.

My Verdict: Both Pad Thai and Pad See Ew have unique, exciting flavors. However, I prefer the charred smokiness of Pad See Ew

The Final Verdict on Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew

Both dishes are delicious and satisfying with unique flavors and textures. While Pad Thai may be be THE noodle dish of Thailand, I think of the winner of this Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew show down is…..

PAD SEE EW!

I’m head over heels obsessed with the charred flavor and thick chewy noodles.

What do you think? Let me know what dish you prefer!