Pad See Ew vs Drunken Noodle – What’s The Difference?
Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles are two beloved Thai noodle dishes. They share some similarities but also have key differences. Both dishes are famous for their tasty flavors and have become popular worldwide.
Pad See Ew is known for its sweet-savory soy sauce-based sauce. It also features Chinese broccoli, or Gai Lan. On the other hand, Drunken Noodles are famous for their spicy, garlicky, and basil-infused sauce. They also include a variety of vegetables.
The main differences between these two dishes will be discussed in the following sections. Let’s dive into the details.
Introduction to Thai Noodle Dishes
Thai cuisine is rich and diverse, with noodle dishes being a big part. These dishes come from Chinese workers who came to Thailand in the 1700s. They brought noodle meals with them. Over time, Thai cooks mixed these dishes with local ingredients, making a unique cuisine loved by many.
Thai Cuisine Origins and Influences
The story of Thai noodle dishes shows the country’s openness to new cultures. Chinese immigrants brought different noodles like Sen Yai and Sen Lek. Thai cooks then made dishes that show off the country’s bold flavors.
The popularity of Noodle Dishes in Thailand
Noodle dishes are key in Thai food culture. Favorites like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew are loved in Thailand and around the world. They are known for their mix of textures and flavors.
Dishes like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew are loved for their unique tastes. Pad Kee Mao is known for its spicy kick. These dishes show off Thai culture and are loved for their taste and variety.
What is Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew is a favorite Thai noodle dish. It uses wide, flat rice noodles and a tasty soy sauce-based sauce. The dish often has chicken, pork, or shrimp and Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan). Sometimes, it also includes scrambled eggs.
The sauce is made from dark and light soy sauce and oyster sauce. This mix gives the dish a deep, savory flavor.
Ingredients and Flavor Profile
Pad See Ew is loved for its rich taste. The Chinese broccoli adds a nice crunch and a bit of bitterness. This balances the sauce’s sweetness.
The dish’s flavor is mostly sweet, like many Thai noodle dishes.
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) in Pad See Ew
Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan) is a key part of Pad See Ew. It brings texture and flavor to the dish. The Gai Lan’s bitterness and crunchiness match the sauce’s richness and the noodles’ chewiness.
“Pad See Ew is a beloved comfort food in Thailand, known for its satisfying and slightly indulgent taste.”
Pad See Ew vs Drunken Noodle
Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles are similar in some ways. They both use wide rice noodles and stir-fry cooking. But, they have big differences. Pad See Ew has a sweet-savory sauce and lots of Chinese broccoli. On the other hand, Drunken Noodles have a spicier sauce with soy, fish sauce, and chili peppers. They also have more vegetables like Thai basil, onions, and bell peppers.
The flavors and vegetables make these dishes unique. Drunken Noodles are bold and spicy. They pack a lot of heat. Pad See Ew is sweeter and savory. It’s less spicy and more comforting.
| Pad See Ew | Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) |
|---|---|
| Sweet-savory soy sauce-based sauce | Spicier, more pungent sauce with soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili peppers |
| Heavy reliance on Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan) | Wider variety of vegetables like Thai basil, onions, and bell peppers |
| Milder flavor profile | Bolder, spicier flavor profile |
| Longer preparation time | Quicker to prepare |
| Calories per cup: 357 | Calories per cup: 323 |
Choosing between Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles depends on what you like. If you want something spicy and aromatic, go for Drunken Noodles. For a milder, more comforting taste, try Pad See Ew.
What are Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)?
Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a favorite Thai spicy noodle dish. It has wide rice noodles stir-fried in a bold sauce. The dish is known for its garlicky taste and the use of fragrant Thai basil.
Unlike Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles have a wider variety of vegetables. These include onions, bell peppers, baby corn, and tomatoes. The dish often has chicken or pork as the protein. The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili peppers, giving it a spicy profile.
Spicy Flavor and Thai Basil
Drunken Noodles are famous for their spicy and savory flavor. This comes from chili peppers and Thai basil. The Thai basil adds a unique, aromatic taste that goes well with the chili peppers.
Variety of Vegetables in Drunken Noodles
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Baby corn
- Tomatoes
The variety of vegetables in Drunken Noodles adds nutrition and texture. You get crunchy and tender bits in every bite.
“Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a Thai spicy noodle dish that is known for its bold, garlicky flavor and the use of fresh Thai basil.”
Differences in Sauces and Flavor Profiles
The main difference between Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles is the sauce and flavor. Pad See Ew has a sweet and savory sauce. It’s made with dark and light soy sauce and oyster sauce. This gives it a deep, umami taste.
Drunken Noodles, on the other hand, have a spicier sauce. It includes soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili peppers. This makes the flavor bold and garlicky.
Thai basil in Drunken Noodles adds a unique, anise-like flavor. This sets it apart from Pad See Ew, which is based on soy sauce. These differences make each dish taste unique. Pad See Ew is sweeter, while Drunken Noodles are spicier.
“Pad See Ew is characterized by a sweeter meets salty profile, while Drunken Noodles are spicier. Drunken Noodles have a lighter color compared to Pad See Ew and contain less sweetness due to higher spice levels.”
Authentic Pad Thai Comparison
Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles are well-known Thai noodle dishes. But, authentic Pad Thai has its special traits. It uses thin rice noodles, unlike the wider noodles in Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles. The Pad Thai sauce, made with tamarind, gives a tangy and sweet taste.
An authentic Pad Thai is topped with crushed peanuts. This adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. The taste of Pad Thai is brighter and more balanced than Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles.
Tamarind and Peanut Flavors
The tamarind in the sauce makes Pad Thai unique. It adds a tanginess not found in Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles’ soy-based sauces. The crushed peanuts garnish adds a nutty taste and texture.
“Exploring the unique characteristics of each Thai noodle dish can help individuals decide which one to cook based on their taste preferences.”
Homemade Recipes
Bring Thailand’s flavors to your kitchen with these simple recipes for Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles.
Pad See Ew Recipe
Pad See Ew is a favorite Thai street food. It’s made with stir-fried wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg, and your choice of protein. This recipe serves two to three people and tastes just like the real thing with a few ingredients.
The main parts of Pad See Ew are:
- Fresh wide rice noodles (or 6 ounces of dried rice noodles)
- Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan)
- Protein (beef, chicken, or tofu)
- Dark and light soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar
To get the smoky Wok hei flavor, use high heat like commercial burners. The recipe also stresses using real Thai soy sauces. It also offers tips on Thai ingredients.
Drunken Noodles Recipe
Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, are spicy and full of flavor. They have wide rice noodles, various veggies, and a bold sauce. This recipe makes about 4-5 servings and you can adjust the spice to your liking.
The main ingredients in Drunken Noodles are:
- Fresh wide rice noodles (or 6 ounces of dried rice noodles)
- Protein (chicken, beef, or tofu)
- Vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, Thai chilies, grachai, young peppercorns)
- Sauce ingredients (oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, Thai red chili paste)
- Fresh Thai basil leaves
Drunken Noodles mix spicy, savory, and aromatic tastes. They’re a fulfilling and true Thai dish you can make at home.
“Recreating these beloved Thai noodle dishes in your own kitchen allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of Thailand whenever you crave them.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles are two unique Thai noodle dishes. They share some common origins and ingredients but have different flavors and preparation methods. Pad See Ew has a sweet-savory sauce and uses Chinese broccoli. Drunken Noodles, on the other hand, have a spicy garlic sauce and include a variety of vegetables.
Knowing the differences between these dishes helps you choose when eating out or cooking at home. Both Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles offer delicious experiences. Pad See Ew’s milder flavors are perfect for those who like a balanced taste. Drunken Noodles, with their bold spicy taste, are great for those who enjoy intense flavors.
As Thai cuisine becomes more popular worldwide, knowing the differences between Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles is helpful. It lets you explore new dishes and find your favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food lover or just starting, trying these dishes will make your meals more exciting and broaden your culinary knowledge.
