Our Favourite Thai Noodle Dishes

Thai cuisine is well-known for its complex flavours and a whole range of beautifully aromatic dishes. Noodles often play a central role in many of these amazing recipes.

Whether served in a steaming bowl of soup or stir-fried to perfection, Thai noodles are not only delicious but offer an insight into the country’s rich heritage. Here are some of the most famous dishes that you should consider trying, either at a restaurant or by cooking the recipes at home.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is arguably the most iconic Thai noodle dish and a staple in Thai restaurants worldwide, including here in the UK. It features stir-fried rice noodles cooked with eggs, along with chicken, prawns or tofu, and a blend of tamarind paste, fish sauce, garlic, shallots, red chilli pepper, and palm sugar.

Garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh coriander, and lime wedges, Pad Thai is a favourite because of the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavours. Diners can customise their dish with additional condiments like sugar, chilli powder, and fish sauce to suit their palate.

Khao Soi

Originating from Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a must-try for those who enjoy creamy flavours with a bit of spice. It uses egg noodles in a rich curry broth made from coconut milk and a blend of curry spices, topped with deep-fried crispy egg noodles.

It is traditionally served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and ground chillies fried in oil. Khao Soi is a unique taste experience combining soft and crunchy textures in a comforting bowl. It’s really a fusion of Burmese and Northern Thai cuisines but is a fan favourite for those who love food from the region.

Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew translates as "stir-fried soy sauce noodles”. It is another much-loved noodle dish from Thailand that features wide rice noodles stir-fried with garlic, Chinese broccoli, and a choice of pork, chicken, or beef, all in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.

The noodles are typically charred in a hot wok, giving them a distinctive smoky flavour that many people love. This dish is particularly popular for its simple, comforting flavours and is a favourite among those who prefer less spicy Thai food.

Pad Kee Mao

Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles, is a vibrant, spicy noodle dish that is ideal for those looking for a hearty meal after a night out. It includes stir-fried broad rice noodles with basil, green beans, bell peppers, onions, garlic, chillies, and a mix of soy sauces.

The story goes that it was first created by someone who came home late and hungry after a drinking session, throwing together available ingredients to create a colourful and flavoursome dish. The high heat used in cooking seems to bring the pungent flavours together beautifully, creating a dish that is both aromatic and very satisfying.

Exploring Thai noodle dishes allows diners not only to savour the rich, multifaceted flavours of the region's cuisine but also to engage with its cultural context.

Each dish brings a different perspective on Thai traditions, from the bustling streets of Bangkok with Pad Thai to the more serene Northern landscapes with Khao Soi. Whether at a Thai restaurant or in your kitchen, these noodle dishes are worth a try, providing a delicious experience that goes beyond the ordinary meal.