One of the best parts about traveling to Thailand is, without a doubt, the food. And if there’s one dish that’s universally loved and an absolute must-try, it’s pad thai. During our family trip to Phuket, pad thai quickly became a go-to meal—not just for its delicious blend of flavors, but because it’s also a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike. Here’s why pad thai is such a beloved dish and why it became a favorite for us on our travels.
What is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is Thailand’s most iconic stir-fried noodle dish, traditionally made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, a choice of protein (like chicken, shrimp, or pork), and stir-fried with a sweet, tangy, and slightly salty sauce. It’s typically garnished with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and fresh lime, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
What makes pad thai so special is that it hits all the right notes—sweetness from tamarind sauce, savory depth from fish sauce, a hint of spice, and the nuttiness of peanuts, all brought together by the chewiness of the rice noodles. For us, it was the perfect meal after a day at the beach or wandering around the markets.
Where We Tried It in Phuket
While you can find pad thai everywhere in Thailand, from high-end restaurants to humble street food stalls, we found that some of the best versions were at Kata Night Market and local beachfront cafés around Kata Beach. At the market, you can watch as vendors expertly toss the noodles in a hot wok, adding fresh ingredients with every order. It’s an experience in itself and a quick, satisfying meal for when you’re on the go.
For our son, who can be a bit of a picky eater, pad thai was a hit because the flavors are mild enough for kids to enjoy, while still being flavorful and exciting. He loved watching the vendors cook up his order right in front of us, and the dish was customizable enough that we could keep the spice levels down for him while enjoying a spicier version ourselves.
The Perfect Family-Friendly Meal
What we loved about pad thai was how versatile it is. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or prefer chicken or vegetarian options, pad thai can be easily adapted to suit everyone’s taste. During our time in Phuket, we tried several versions—shrimp pad thai for me, chicken pad thai for my wife, and a mild, veggie-packed version for our son. No matter where we ordered it, the dish was consistently delicious.
The fact that it’s packed with protein, vegetables, and noodles made it a nutritious option, too. We appreciated having a go-to meal that was not only tasty but filling after a long day of sightseeing or beach time. Plus, it’s the kind of dish you can find pretty much anywhere in Phuket, so it was always convenient when we needed a quick, satisfying meal.
Pad Thai for the Adventurous Eaters
For those who want to get a little more adventurous with their pad thai, many local spots offer the dish with more intense flavors or unusual ingredients. We tried a version topped with fresh crab, which added a rich, briny flavor that took the dish to the next level. If you’re looking for a more authentic, local experience, ask for your pad thai to be made “Thai-style,” which usually means a bit more heat and a more intense tamarind flavor.
If you like to play with flavors, you can also customize your pad thai with the condiments often served alongside: a spoonful of chili flakes for heat, a sprinkle of sugar for sweetness, or a dash of vinegar for a tangy kick. For us, it became a fun part of the meal to tweak the flavors until we each had the perfect combination.
Pad Thai Cooking Classes
For those who want to take a bit of Thailand home with them, many resorts and cooking schools in Phuket offer pad thai cooking classes. We didn’t have time to do this on our last trip, but it’s definitely on our list for next time. Learning how to make pad thai from scratch, with fresh local ingredients, would be a fantastic way to recreate those vacation memories in our own kitchen.
If you’re planning a trip and want to dive deeper into Thai cuisine, a cooking class is a great way to connect with the local food culture. You’ll learn the techniques behind making the perfect pad thai, as well as how to balance the flavors that make this dish so unique.
Pad thai is more than just a popular dish—it’s a true representation of Thailand’s culinary culture, combining the country’s love for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and street food. Whether you’re trying it from a beachside café, a bustling night market, or learning to cook it yourself, pad thai is a dish that everyone in the family can enjoy.
For us, it became a staple of our trip—simple, delicious, and always satisfying. So, if you’re planning a trip to Phuket, make sure you indulge in this must-try dish. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste of authentic pad thai, you’ll be craving it long after your vacation is over!