When it comes to Thai cuisine, two dishes that are often compared are drunken noodles and pad see ew.

While both dishes are made with rice noodles and a savory sauce, some key differences in flavor and ingredients set them apart.

One of the main differences between drunken noodles and pad see ew is the level of spiciness.

Drunken noodles typically include Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, giving them a spicy kick; in contrast, pad see ew has a sweeter profile and is often made with a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Another difference between the two dishes is the vegetables used.

Drunken noodles often include additional vegetables such as baby corn, bell peppers, and onions, while pad see ew is typically made with Chinese broccoli. 

These differences in ingredients and flavor make each dish unique and cater to different taste preferences.

Keep reading on to find out more about these two dishes!

What Are Drunken Noodles?

If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ve probably heard of Drunken Noodles.

This popular dish is known for its spicy flavors, chewy texture, and savory sauce.

Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a stir-fried noodle dish typically made with wide rice noodles but can also be made with fresh rice noodles, dry rice noodles, or egg noodles.

The cooking process for Drunken Noodles involves stir-frying the noodles with a variety of vegetables, such as leafy greens and hot peppers.

The dish is then seasoned with a savory sauce made from fish sauce, oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, regular soy sauce, and brown sugar; the sweetness in the sauce balances out the spicier flavor of the dish.

One of the key ingredients in Drunken Noodles is holy basil, also known as Thai basil; this herb gives the dish its distinct flavor profile and aroma.

Fresh chili peppers or chili flakes are sometimes added to the dish to give it a medium heat.

Drunken Noodles are a popular street food in Thailand and can be found at street vendors or in Asian grocery stores.

It’s a versatile dish that can be made with chicken breast or thighs or ground pork, and the chewy texture of the noodles as well as the variety of vegetables, make it a satisfying meal.

When making Drunken Noodles at home, following the package instructions for the type of noodles you’re using is important.

You can also add your own twist to the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.

Try making Drunken Noodles at home and see why it’s such a popular dish in Thai cuisine.

What Is Pad See Ew?

If you are a fan of Thai cuisine, you have probably heard of Pad See Ew; it is a popular dish often found in Thai restaurants and street vendors.

Pad See Ew is a stir-fried rice noodle dish typically made with wide, flat rice noodles.

The dish is known for its chewy texture and savory flavor; it is made by stir-frying the noodles with various vegetables, including Chinese broccoli, snow peas, and leafy greens.

The noodles are then tossed with a sauce made from dark soy sauce, white vinegar, and lime juice.

Unlike Pad Thai, which has a sweet and sour flavor profile, Pad See Ew has a sweet and savory flavor.

The dish is usually made with chicken breast or thighs, ground pork, or a combination of both.

When making Pad See Ew at home, it is crucial to follow the package instructions for the type of noodles you are using.

Chewy rice noodles are the most common type used in Pad See Ew, but some recipes call for fresh rice noodles or egg noodles.

To make the dish, you will need a wok or large skillet and medium heat.

The cooking process involves stir-frying the noodles and vegetables until they are cooked through and slightly charred; the sauce is then added to the pan and tossed with the noodles until they are evenly coated.

Overall, Pad See Ew is a popular street food and a favorite among Thai cuisine lovers.

You can find the ingredients for the dish at your local Asian market or Asian grocery store.

What Are The Differences Between Drunken Noodles And Pad See Ew?

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, then you must be familiar with these two popular noodle dishes – Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew.

Both dishes are savory and delicious, but some key differences set them apart.

In this section, we’ll explore the seven main differences between the two dishes.

1. Spice Level

The spice level is the first and most noticeable difference between Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew.

Drunken Noodles are spicy, thanks to the use of Thai basil, garlic, fresh chiles, and other hot ingredients.

On the other hand, Pad See Ew has a milder flavor profile and is not spicy at all.

2. Sauce

Another key difference between these two dishes is the sauce.

Drunken Noodles have a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce; this sauce gives the dish its rich and salty flavor.

In contrast, Pad See Ew has a sweeter sauce made with soy sauce and sugar.

3. Key Ingredients

The key ingredients used in Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew are also different.

Drunken Noodles typically include wide rice noodles, Thai basil, garlic, fresh chiles, and other vegetables like baby corn.

On the other hand, Pad See Ew is heavily based on Chinese broccoli and includes other vegetables like carrots and eggs.

4. Noodle Dish vs. Savory Dish

Drunken Noodles are a noodle dish, while Pad See Ew is a savory dish.

Drunken Noodles are all about the noodles, which are wide and chewy.

The sauce and other ingredients are there to complement the noodles.

Pad See Ew, on the other hand, is a savory dish that happens to include noodles.

5. Chicken Satay

If you’re a fan of chicken satay, then you’ll be happy to know that it pairs well with Drunken Noodles.

In fact, many Thai restaurants offer Drunken Noodles with chicken satay as a combo meal.

On the other hand, Pad See Ew is not typically served with chicken satay.

6. Fresh Peppercorn

Fresh peppercorn is another ingredient that sets Drunken Noodles apart from Pad See Ew.

Drunken Noodles often include fresh peppercorns, which gives the dish a unique and spicy flavor.

Pad See Ew does not typically include fresh peppercorns.

7. Chinese Cuisine

Finally, it’s worth noting that Pad See Ew is actually a Chinese dish that has been adapted to Thai cuisine.

Drunken Noodles, on the other hand, are a purely Thai creation.

If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you might prefer Pad See Ew.

If you’re looking for something more authentically Thai, then Drunken Noodles might be more your style.

In summary, Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew are delicious noodle dishes with unique flavors and ingredients.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, then Drunken Noodles might be the way to go.

However, if you prefer milder flavors, then Pad See Ew might be more your style.

Either way, both dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings for Thai cuisine.

Drunken Noodles vs. Pad See Ew: are they the same?

In summary, Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew are two popular Thai noodle dishes with notable differences.

Drunken Noodles are spicier, while Pad See Ew has a sweeter profile.

Drunken Noodles also tend to have a wider variety of vegetables, while Pad See Ew is heavily based on Chinese broccoli.

When it comes to preparation, Drunken Noodles are typically stir-fried with a higher heat, while Pad See Ew is prepared with a lower heat to allow the noodles to absorb more of the sauce.

In terms of nutritional value, both dishes are relatively high in calories, but Drunken Noodles tend to have more protein due to the addition of meat.

Overall, the choice between Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew comes from personal preference.

Drunken Noodles may be the way to go if you enjoy spicier dishes and a wider variety of vegetables.

However, if you prefer a sweeter profile and a dish heavily based on Chinese broccoli, Pad See Ew may be more to your liking.

Regardless of which dish you choose, Drunken Noodles and Pad See Ew are delicious and satisfying options for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine.

FAQs

What makes drunken noodles drunken?

Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a spicy stir-fry dish that originated in Thailand.

The dish is made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and a spicy sauce that includes garlic, Thai basil, and fresh chilies.

The dish gets its name from the fact that it pairs well with beer or other alcoholic drinks, hence the term “drunken.”

Is Pad Thai or drunken noodles healthier?

Both Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles are high in carbohydrates and sodium, but Drunken Noodles are typically spicier than Pad Thai.

Each dish’s calories, fat, and protein can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method.

However, if you want a healthier option, you can ask for less oil and salt when ordering either dish.

What does Pad See Ew taste like?

Pad See Ew is a stir-fry dish made with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, and vegetables.

The dish has a sweeter and saltier flavor profile compared to Drunken Noodles.

The dish is typically made with Chinese broccoli, which gives it a slightly bitter taste.

The sauce used in Pad See Ew is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, giving it a sweet and savory taste.

How spicy are drunken noodles?

The level of spiciness in Drunken Noodles may vary depending on the recipe and the amount of chili used.

However, the dish is typically spicier than Pad See Ew due to the addition of fresh chilies and Thai basil.

If you are sensitive to spicy food, you can ask for less chili or order Pad See Ew instead.