Banana Leaf Thai · Thai Noodle Guide
Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew: What’s the Difference?
The two most-ordered Thai noodle dishes compared — plus Drunken Noodles, Lo Mein, and Pad Woon Sen.
Thai noodle dishes compared
| Dish | Noodle | Sauce | Flavor | Spice | GF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pad Thai | Thin rice noodles | Tamarind (sweet-tangy) | Sweet, tangy, nutty | Mild | Yes* |
| Pad See Ew | Wide, flat rice noodles | Soy-based (savory) | Savory, smoky, mild-sweet | Mild | On request* |
| Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) | Wide, flat rice noodles | Soy, chili & basil | Spicy, herbal, savory | Hot | On request* |
| Pad Woon Sen | Glass (mung-bean) noodles | Light soy & garlic | Light, savory | Mild | Yes* |
| Lo Mein (Chinese) | Wheat egg noodles | Soy & oyster | Savory, chewy | Mild | No (wheat) |
*Gluten-free versions use rice noodles + gluten-free soy sauce. Always tell your server about a gluten allergy.
Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew
The quick tell is the noodle: thin rice noodles = Pad Thai, wide flat noodles = Pad See Ew. Pad Thai is sweet-tangy from tamarind, finished with peanuts and lime. Pad See Ew is savory and a little smoky from soy sauce, with egg and Chinese broccoli. Choose Pad Thai if you like bright and slightly sweet; choose Pad See Ew if you want savory and comforting.
Pad Thai vs Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)
Both are stir-fried, but Drunken Noodles are the spicy one — wide flat noodles in a soy-chili sauce with Thai basil, bell peppers, and heat. Pad Thai is mild, sweet, and nutty. Go Drunken Noodles for bold and spicy; Pad Thai for a gentler, sweeter plate. (Despite the name, there’s no alcohol in Drunken Noodles.)
Pad Thai vs Lo Mein
This is Thai vs Chinese. Pad Thai uses rice noodles and a sweet-tangy tamarind sauce; Lo Mein uses wheat egg noodles in a savory soy-oyster sauce. If you need gluten-free, Pad Thai is the pick — Lo Mein contains wheat.
Pad Thai vs Pad Woon Sen
Pad Woon Sen swaps rice noodles for glass (mung-bean) noodles, giving a lighter, springier texture in a mild garlic-soy stir-fry. Pad Thai is heavier and sweeter. Both can be made gluten-free.
FAQ
Which is spicier, Pad Thai or Pad See Ew?
Both are mild by default. If you want heat, Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is the spicy Thai noodle dish — or ask us to add chili to any of them.
Which Thai noodle dish is gluten-free?
Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles, and Pad Woon Sen all use rice or glass noodles and can be prepared gluten-free with gluten-free soy sauce. Lo Mein is not — it’s made with wheat noodles.
What are Drunken Noodles?
Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are wide flat rice noodles stir-fried with Thai basil, chili, garlic, and bell peppers — spicy, herbal, and savory. There’s no alcohol; the name refers to how well they pair with a drink.
Taste the difference yourself
Order Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, or Drunken Noodles from Banana Leaf Thai in North Dallas.
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