what noodles pad thai
Pad Thai is made with rice noodles , specifically thin, flat rice stick noodles (often labeled “rice stick noodles” or simply “pad thai noodles” on the package).
What kind of noodles are used?
- They are gluten‑free rice noodles , usually about 1/4 inch wide and sold dried in bundles.
- Before cooking, they are soaked in warm or hot water until pliable but still firm, then stir‑fried in the wok until tender‑chewy.
Why these noodles?
- Rice noodles soak up the sweet‑sour‑savory pad thai sauce (tamarind, fish sauce, sugar) really well without becoming mushy.
- They give the dish its signature soft‑yet‑chewy texture , which is a big part of why pad thai feels so comforting and popular at Thai restaurants worldwide.
So when people ask, “what noodles in pad thai?” the short answer is: thin, flat rice noodles.