When diners crave mouth-watering Thai food, the first dish they think about is often pad thai. This entree features a classic combination of fried noodles, shrimp, and vegetables, making it a staple on Thai restaurant menus. Here’s what you may not have known about this delicious dish.

The History

Although pad thai is the national dish of Thailand, its history began long before its rise to fame. In 1932, a revolution resulted in the separation of Siam from China, and the newly independent country became a democratic monarchy and adopted the name Thailand. To bolster national pride, the Prime Minister promoted a search for a national dish that was economical, delicious, and satisfying—pad thai was the champion. When World War II brought lean times and rice shortages, pad thai’s cheaper noodles made it the ideal alternative to rice-based cuisine.

How It’s Made

Despite its popularity, pad thai lacks a definitive recipe, and every chef manipulates the ingredients to create a unique taste. However, all recipes have one trait in common—a perfect balance of Thai cuisine’s principal flavors: salty, sour, spicy, and sweet.

Most recipes begin with pan-fried white rice noodles combined with a protein, like shrimp, tofu, or chicken. Next, scrambled eggs and bean sprouts are tossed in. The dish’s hallmark spiciness derives from Thai chiles, which are tempered by the sweetness of brown sugar and tamarind paste. Lastly, the mixture is finished with a splash of lime juice or vinegar and topped with chopped peanuts to add a crunch.

If you’d like to try this beloved entree, head to Thailand Cuisine 2 in Kahului, HI. This eatery offers Maui diners a wide selection of authentic dishes, using only the freshest ingredients and cherished homemade recipes. Some of their popular items are pad thai, ginger coconut tofu soup, and yum nuer beef salad. View their menu online, or call (808) 873-0225 to make a reservation.