Because it is a staple in Thai cuisine, we often judge a Lexington Thai restaurant on the quality of their pad Thai. However, while many of us think we know what authentic pad Thai tastes like, this is far from the truth. The truth is that there are so many Westernized versions of pad Thai; most people don’t understand authentic from modernized. If you have been disappointed by basic pad Thai, here are some tips to make sure your dish delivers!

Fresh ingredients are key

Pad Thai starts with rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, tofu, cilantro, bean sprouts, peanuts, and scrambled eggs. As you can see, the various ingredients all rely upon one another. Thus, you need to be sure your Lexington Thai restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients available to ensure the ultimate flavor experience. The ingredients are sauteed together in a wok and served with a lime wedge. Pad Thai is all about the balance of freshness paired with an authentically created sauce that complements. 

Orange Pad Thai

Speaking of authentic, orange pad Thai is one of those modernized dishes we mentioned. Believe it or not, pad Thai is never genuinely orange. If you’ve ordered orange pad Thai, the color is an additive which appeals to the sense. With the addition of ketchup or paprika, restaurants achieve the orange coloring.

While some places in Thailand make their version of the dish orange, the most authentic Thai cuisine will not. However, if you happen to come across orange pad Thai in Thailand, the color is generally achieved by shrimp tomalley instead of ketchup or paprika. 

It’s all about the sauce

Beyond the freshness of the ingredients, the sauce is an essential aspect of the overall flavor. However, to achieve an authentic taste, it’s best to start from scratch! The sauce consists of palm sugar, tamarind, fish sauce, and water. With tamarind and makaam being staple ingredients in many Thai dishes, they also play a key role in pad Thai. Although it sounds simple, these few ingredients are what make your dish stand out from the rest. Mastering an authentic sauce is a staple in creating the ultimate pad Thai.

Pad Thai is one of several authentic Thai dishes that everyone should try at least once! Don’t have time to make your own? Lucky for you, White Coconut Lexington Thai Restaurant has the best pad Thai around! We are passionate about only cooking with the freshest high-quality ingredients to bring you the perfect authentic experience. 

Visit us today at 211 Middlesex Turnpike in Burlington, MA, for an authentic Thai experience you’ll never forget!