Pad Kee Mao vs Pad See Ew are two popular Thai dishes loved by many. They are both stir-fried noodle dishes that Thai locals and visitors alike can’t resist. Though they may look and taste similar, Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew have several differences that set them apart.
What are Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew?
Pad Kee Mao, also known as drunken noodles, is a spicy, savory noodle dish with a punch of Thai basil. Pad See Ew, on the other hand, is a sweet and savory noodle dish made with wide, flat noodles, and soy sauce. The two dishes have different ingredients and cooking methods, which give them their unique taste and flavor.
Origin of the Dishes
Both dishes originated in Thailand and are a staple food in the country, but their origins and popularity vary between regions.
Pad Kee Mao is a popular street food in central and northeastern Thailand, where it’s commonly found in small food stalls and busy night markets. Pad See Ew, which originated in central Thailand, is a bit milder and often more popular among tourists.
Ingredients
The ingredients used in Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew are different, but they share some similarities. Both dishes are made with rice noodles and stir-fried with vegetables, herbs, and meat. The difference comes in the sauces and spices used.
Pad Kee Mao uses holy basil, garlic, and fresh chili, which gives the dish its signature spiciness. Pad See Ew, on the other hand, is made with a sweet and mild soy sauce and oyster sauce mix. Pad Kee Mao sometimes has a dark, tangy sauce, while Pad See Ew is usually sweeter.
Texture and Presentation
Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew have different textures and presentations. Pad Kee Mao has a chewy and soft texture because of its fresh rice noodles. The vegetables and meat are cut into smaller pieces, which makes the dish easy to eat.
Pad See Ew is made with wider and flatter noodles, giving the dish a stretchy texture. The vegetables and meat in Pad See Ew are often cut into larger pieces, which makes the dish appear more substantial.
Spiciness Level
Pad Kee Mao is known for being spicy, and it’s a reputation that the dish lives up to. The dish’s spiciness comes from the use of fresh chili and garlic, which adds heat to the dish. Pad See Ew, on the other hand, is not spicy and has a milder flavor.
Which of the Two is More Popular?
Both dishes are popular in Thailand and worldwide and are easily found on menus in Thai restaurants worldwide. However, Pad See Ew is a milder dish and is more popular with tourists who might not enjoy spicy food.
Pad Kee Mao is popular among locals who are accustomed to spicy dishes. It’s also a popular choice for people who enjoy spicy food, making it a more popular choice among enthusiasts of Thai cuisine.
Is Pad Kee Mao Truly a Version of Drunken Noodles?
Pad Kee Mao, also known as “drunken noodles,” does not contain any alcohol in the dish. The name “drunken noodles” comes from the belief that the dish’s spiciness helps cure the effects of alcohol.
The dish is commonly eaten after drinking, and it’s believed that it helps to cure the effects of the alcohol and prevent hangovers. Pad Kee Mao’s flavor is bold and spicy, making it a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food.
Are These Dishes Suitable for a Low-Calorie Diet?
Unfortunately, both Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew are not suitable for those following a low-calorie diet. The dishes are high in carbs and calories because of the noodles and sauces.
However, there are some modifications you can make to both dishes to make them healthier. You can try ordering the dishes with less sauce and more vegetables. Instead of having it rice noodles, you can substitute it with brown rice or choose a smaller portion size.
Conclusion
Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew are both delicious, flavorful, and loved by many. Although the two dishes may seem similar, they have unique differences that set them apart.
Pad Kee Mao is a spicier dish with a chewy texture, while Pad See Ew has a mild and sweet flavor with a stretchy texture. Both dishes are popular in Thailand and worldwide and are easily found on the menus of Thai restaurants worldwide.
While neither dish is suitable for those on a low-calorie diet, they are worth trying, whether at home or in a Thai restaurant.
FAQs
1. What are Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew, and how do they differ in terms of ingredients?
Pad Kee Mao, also known as drunken noodles, is a popular Thai dish made with wide rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, protein (usually beef, chicken, or shrimp), Thai basil leaves, garlic, chili, and a savory sauce that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce.
On the other hand, Pad See Ew is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat, wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of meat or protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu) that is cooked in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce.
2. What differentiates the preparation methods for these two dishes?
The preparation method for Pad Kee Mao involves stir-frying the noodles and protein with garlic, chili, and vegetables until cooked through, then adding the Thai basil leaves and sauce mix towards the end.
Meanwhile, Pad See Ew involves blanching the flat noodles for a few minutes in hot water before stir-frying them with garlic and protein until cooked through. Finally, the Chinese broccoli and sauce mix are added to the dish and cooked for a few more minutes.
3. How do Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew differ in terms of flavor profiles?
Pad Kee Mao tends to have a spicier, herbal, and slightly sweet taste, thanks to the Thai basil leaves, chili, and sweet soy sauce used in the dish. In contrast, Pad See Ew is sweeter, less spicy, and has a slightly smoky or charred taste, thanks to the use of dark soy sauce.
4. Which dish is more popular in Thailand and why?
Both Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew are very popular Thai dishes, but Pad Kee Mao is the more commonly found dish in Thai restaurants, street food stalls, and home kitchens.
The dish’s popularity stems from its complex and bold flavors, which are unique to Thai cuisine and its use of Thai basil leaves, which add a fragrant aroma to the dish.
5. Has the availability of ingredients influenced the popularity of these dishes?
The availability of ingredients has influenced the popularity of Pad See Ew and Pad Kee Mao. Pad See Ew tends to be most popular in central Thailand due to the abundance of fresh Chinese broccoli, which is a key ingredient in the dish, while Pad Kee Mao is a favorite in the Northern and Northeastern regions of Thailand, where Thai basil leaves thrive.
6. Are there cultural or historical significance to Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew?
There is no direct cultural or historical significance attached to Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew, but like most Thai dishes, they represent a combination of various cultures and traditions.
For example, Pad See Ew, as the name suggests, is influenced by Chinese-style stir-fry techniques and ingredients, while Pad Kee Mao has its roots in a popular Chinese noodle dish known as “chow fun.” However, over time, both dishes have evolved to become distinctively Thai and have taken on new flavors and ingredients.