Taste the World

Pad Thai Recipe Inspired by Thailand Street Food

Last updated: May 2026

This pad Thai is inspired by the quick noodle dishes served at Thai night markets. It keeps the sweet, sour and savoury balance but uses ingredients that are realistic for everyday UK and European kitchens.

Pad Thai travel-inspired recipe placeholder

Recipe Summary

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Estimated cost
£7-£11
Cuisine
Thai
Inspired by
Bangkok street food

Ingredients

  • 220g flat rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 300g chicken, prawns or firm tofu
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 150g beansprouts
  • 3 spring onions, sliced
  • 3 tbsp tamarind paste or lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Roasted peanuts, lime wedges and chilli flakes, to serve

Method

  1. 1

    Soak or cook the noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain well.

  2. 2

    Mix tamarind or lime juice with fish sauce or soy sauce and brown sugar.

  3. 3

    Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan, then scramble the eggs and move them to one side.

  4. 4

    Add the chicken, prawns or tofu with the garlic and cook until done.

  5. 5

    Add noodles and sauce, tossing quickly so everything is coated.

  6. 6

    Fold through beansprouts and spring onions, then serve with peanuts, lime and chilli.

Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps

IngredientEasy swap
Tamarind pasteLime juice with a small pinch of brown sugar
Dried shrimpLeave out or add extra peanuts
Garlic chivesSpring onions
Palm sugarBrown sugar
Fish sauceSoy sauce for a vegetarian version

Budget Cooking Tips

  • Use tofu or eggs as the main protein to keep the cost down.
  • Buy rice noodles in larger bags if you cook stir-fries often.
  • Beansprouts bulk out the dish cheaply and cook in seconds.
  • Use leftover chicken from another meal to reduce waste.

Plan the Holiday Behind This Dish

Pad Thai is closely linked with Thailand's street-food culture, especially quick market meals in Bangkok and busy night markets around the country. If this recipe makes you hungry for the real thing, start with Thailand and Asia budget travel ideas.

Thailand Thailand holidays from the UK Explore guide → Asia Browse Asia holiday guides Explore guide → Vietnam Vietnam budget travel guide Explore guide → Cambodia Cambodia budget travel guide Explore guide →
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FAQs

What noodles should I use for pad Thai?

Use flat rice noodles. Medium-width noodles are easiest to toss without breaking.

Can I make pad Thai without tamarind?

Yes. Lime juice with a small pinch of brown sugar gives a simple sour-sweet alternative.

How do I stop pad Thai going sticky?

Drain the noodles well, keep the pan hot and toss quickly after adding the sauce.