Thai cuisine is known for bold flavours, fresh herbs, and balance in every dish. Two of the most popular noodle dishes you’ll find on Thai menus are Pad Thai and Pad See Ew. Both are stir-fried noodle dishes, but they couldn’t be more different in taste, texture, and overall experience.
If you’ve ever wondered how they compare, here’s a closer look at what sets Pad Thai and Pad See Ew apart – and why our Pad Thai with Tofu is such a crowd-pleaser.
What Is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is perhaps the most famous Thai dish worldwide. It’s a rice noodle stir-fry that combines sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours with a variety of textures.
Our Vegan Pad Thai is made with:
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Rice noodles – chewy and springy
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Tofu – the plant-based protein that soaks up flavour
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Bean sprout shoots – crisp and refreshing
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Garlic chive and red onion – aromatic and slightly sweet
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Sweetened radish – a traditional touch that adds subtle crunch
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Peanuts – for nutty texture
The sauce is where the magic happens, made from tamarind paste, palm sugar, and soy sauce. The result is a dish that’s light yet satisfying, with a signature sweet-savoury balance.
What Is Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew (which translates to “stir-fried soy sauce noodles”) is another popular Thai noodle dish. Instead of tamarind, it’s made with dark soy sauce as the base, giving it a smoky, savoury flavour.
Traditional Pad See Ew typically includes:
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Wide, flat rice noodles – thicker and chewier than Pad Thai noodles
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Chinese broccoli (gai lan) – for a leafy, bitter contrast
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Egg and meat or tofu – for protein
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Dark soy sauce – which caramelises in the wok, giving the noodles their smoky taste
Where Pad Thai is tangy and layered, Pad See Ew is all about deep, savoury notes with a slightly charred, wok-fried aroma.
Flavour Comparison
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Pad Thai: Tangy from tamarind, lightly sweet from palm sugar, nutty from peanuts, with a bright, fresh finish from sprouts and aromatics.
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Pad See Ew: Rich, smoky, and savoury from soy sauce, with a comforting, slightly heavier feel thanks to thicker noodles.
Which One Is Healthier?
Both dishes can be part of a balanced diet, but they differ in nutrition:
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Pad Thai: Generally lighter, with more vegetables and fresh toppings. Our vegan version is portion-controlled, plant-based, and free from heavy oils.
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Pad See Ew: Heavier due to thicker noodles, dark soy sauce, and often larger amounts of oil in stir-frying.
For those looking for something fresh and vibrant, Pad Thai is usually the better choice.
Why We Love Vegan Pad Thai
At Pam Pam, we’ve reimagined Pad Thai to make it plant-based, ready in minutes, and still true to its roots. With no animal products, no preservatives, and just the right balance of flavours, it’s the perfect introduction to Thai noodles if you’re new – and a satisfying favourite if you’re already a fan.
👉 Try it for yourself: Pad Thai with Tofu
