Is Pad See Ew the same as Pad Thai?

No — Pad See Ew uses wider noodles and soy-based sauce with no tamarind, giving it a richer, less sour and less sweet flavour.

What's Chinese broccoli (gai lan)?

Gai lan is a leafy green vegetable with thick stems — it has a slightly bitter flavour that balances the rich soy sauce perfectly.

noodle

Pad See Ew

ผัดซีอิ๊ว

Mild

Pad See Ew is a satisfying stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, egg, Chinese broccoli, and dark soy sauce. Milder than Pad Thai, it has a beautiful smoky wok-char flavour from high-heat cooking.

Key Ingredients

wide rice noodles
dark soy sauce
egg
Chinese broccoli
pork or chicken

Where to Try It

Street food stalls and noodle shops — look for a cook with a powerful wok flame for the best char.

Tips

The 'wok hei' (smoky char from high heat) is what separates great Pad See Ew from mediocre — street stalls with huge flames do it best.
Add a splash of white vinegar with chilli from the condiment rack for extra depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

noodle

Pad See Ew

ผัดซีอิ๊ว

Mild

Key Ingredients

wide rice noodles
dark soy sauce
egg
Chinese broccoli
pork or chicken

Where to Try It

Street food stalls and noodle shops — look for a cook with a powerful wok flame for the best char.

Tips

The 'wok hei' (smoky char from high heat) is what separates great Pad See Ew from mediocre — street stalls with huge flames do it best.
Add a splash of white vinegar with chilli from the condiment rack for extra depth.