Pad Thai
- Diana Zhang and Angelina Xu
- Jan 4, 2021
- 2 min read
Hllo Everyone!
I hope you are having a nice winter break! For this week’s article, we want to introduce you to an internationally recognized dish- Pad Thai! We’ve only tried it once or twice, but the texture of the rice noodles; the mixed flavors of tofu, chicken, and peanuts is unforgettable. However, many Pad Thai lovers do not know the origins of it. So, let’s implore a journey into one of the most famous Asian dishes.
Disclaimer: Authors of this article utilized research online for this article, neither of us know much of Thai culture prior to research. If there is any false or offensive information, please contact us! We will be glad to humbly edit it.
Contact Information:
Diana Zhang: ziyizhangdiana1108@gmail.com Angelina Xu: angel227707@gmail.com
Introduction on Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish made of stir-fried rice noodles, tossed in the pan with chicken, peanuts, eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, and more. The addition of sugar, fish sauce, and shrimp intensify the uniqueness of this dish. According to Australian chef David Thompson, an foreign expert on Thai food, it is “the juggling of disparate elements to create a harmonious finish that makes Thai cuisine truly special”.
History
During World War II, Thailand went through an emergency rice shortage. Therefore, rice noodles were introduced to Thailand from China during a period of ultra-nationalism in the wake of the 1932 revolution. The movement ended the absolute monarchy and installed a constitutional monarchy paired with democracy. Furthermore, Thailand’s Prime Minister Field Marshal, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, even promoted Pad Thai over the popular rice cuisines to “unify the country” and to” create a sense of ‘Thai-ness’”. This encouragement not only made Pad Thai a notable national dish but also was instrumental in pacifying the rice shortage. It promoted patriotism and nationalism among Thai citizens. However, despite its partial-Chinese influence, the sauces and pastes of the dish originated in Thai culture. The mix of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and more creates its distinct flavor. There are also sources claiming that rice noodles were also introduced from Vietnamese noodles, pho. Some even believe that Pad Thai was the very first standardized recipe in Thailand.
Present Day
Currently, Pad Thai has become a common street food in Thailand.
The traditional Pad Thai actually consists of more dried ingredients than fresh ones.
Pad Thai has been listed as #5 on a list of “World’s 50 most delicious foods” according to a readers’ poll for CNN.
Pad Thai combines all five tastes which are salty, sour, sweet, spicy, and bitter!
The ingredients, such as peanuts and chicken, were not baked as ovens are not widely available in Thailand.
Variations like “Pad Thai Hor Kai”, which is Pad Thai wrapped in an omelet, is also well-known.
Pad Thais are often served along with Hua Press, which are baby bananas.
See for yourselves!
Amazing Thai restaurants located in the Northern Virginia region include:
Thai Basil Restaurant: Chantilly, VA
Bangkok 54: Arlington, VA
Sisters Thai Mosaic District: Fairfax, VA
Paisa Thai: Burke, VA
Sense of Thai: Ashburn, VA
Pa Nuang Thai Cuisine: Manassas, VA
Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant: Falls Church, VA
Sources:
Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed it! Make sure to check out our website at https://dearasianyouthnova.wixsite.com/home for more information and articles! See you next week!
Diana Zhang and Angelina Xu
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