Both of these dishes are rominent in Thai cuisine, which is famous for its combination of sweet, sour, and savory tastes. The two dishes that are often confused by many are both types of stir-fried noodles – Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) vs Pad See Ew. Both dishes are from Thailand and have wide rice noodles, but they are completely different in terms of flavor, ingredients used, and the method of cooking. Let us explore the differences between Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew.
What is Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)?
This is Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles. It is considered a bold and flavorful Thai dish that is much spicier than the rest. Kee Mao is known for its strong flavoring and aromatic herbs. Contrary to popular belief, this dish does not and will never contain alcohol. The name has many theories surrounding its origin but a common one is that it gained the title because it is a popular late-night food for people who are out drinking.
Main Components:
- Wide rice noodles
- Thai bird’s eye chilies
- Garlic
- Basil leaves (usually holy basil)
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce
- Meat options: chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu
Flavor Profile:
- Spicy and fragrant
- Herbal notes from basil
- Slightly salty and savory with a hint of sweetness
What is Pad See Ew?
Virtually unrivaled in the comfort category, Pad See Ew literally means “stir-fried soy sauce noodles”. Like its Thai counterpart, it traces its roots to Chinese cuisine, offering soy noodles with a distinct touch of sweetness along with a smokier profile.
Key Ingredients
- Broccoli, Chinese or regular
- Noodles, wide rice
- Soy Sauce: dark and light
- Garlic
- Egg
- Beef, Chicken, Pork, Tofu (any meat of choice)
- Optional sugar or vinegar
Flavor Profile:
- Sweet and Smoky
- Balanced and milder flavors
- Charred noodles for extra texture
Southerners Beware! The Drunken Noodles are ruthless!
Pad Kee Mao Vs Pad See Ew: Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) | Pad See Ew |
| Spiciness | Very spicy | Mild |
| Key Herb | Thai holy basil | None |
| Vegetables Used | Bell pepper, onions, basil | Chinese broccoli |
| Flavor Profile | Spicy, salty, slightly sweet | Sweet, savory, slightly smoky |
| Main Sauce | Soy, fish, oyster sauces | Dark & light soy sauces |
| Texture | Moist and soft noodles | Slightly crispy or charred edges |
| Popularity | Loved for bold flavors | Popular as comfort food |
| Best With | Beer or bold beverages | Thai iced tea or light drinks |
Pad Kee Mao Vs Pad See Ew Nutritional Comparison
Though both dishes use rice noodles and protein, Pad Kee mao tends to have more oil and spices, which raises the calorie count.
| Nutrient (per serving) | Pad Kee Mao | Pad See Ew |
| Calories | 450-600 | 400-550 |
| Protein | 20-25g | 18-22g |
| Fat | 15-20g | 10-15g |
| Carbohydrates | 50-60g | 45-55g |
| Spices | High | Low |
Cooking Method Differences
Pad Kee Mao
- Uses a wok, cooking on high heat
- Quick stir-fry of basil and chilies is added
- Fast and constant stirring to keep the right amount of moisture and spice
Pad See Ew
- Uses a wok, cooking on high heat
- Noodles need to be pan-seared for charring
- Ingredients are stir-fried slowly in soy sauces
Which one to try?
- Pad Kee Mao for spicy, herbal tastes with bold aromas.
- Pad See Ew for sweeter, milder smokey noodles.
Both are incredible dishes and your choice simply depends on your preferred flavors and how much spice you are willing to take.
Lesser-known facts
- Fresh chili paste can be added to Pad Kee Mao for extra spice.
- In Thailand, children are commonly served Pad See Ew due to its mild taste.
- Alcohol is never cooked with in Pad Kee Mao despite the name.
- The deep color of Pad See Ew comes from dark soy sauce.
A few Thai cooks will use broad egg noodles in Pad Kee Mao for a change.
Conclusion
With how both Pad Kee Mao and Pad See Ew are interwoven into Thailand’s culinary arts, either choice is delightful; spicy or sweet. Every dish serves a different purpose, so no option is wrong. Enjoy the experience and figure out which one you favor most.
FAQs
The spice level of Pad Kee Mao is much higher compared to Pad See Ew.
The flavor profile of Pad See Ew is a balance of light sweetness and savoriness.
Absolutely, you can remove the meat and use tofu in place of it along with skipping the fish sauce or replacing it with soy sauce.
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