The Best Pad Thai in Montreal

Pad Thai, the jewel of Thai cuisine, has a fascinating history dating back to the last century. This iconic dish has become the symbol of a nation that has skilfully blended flavours to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

The history of pad Thai dates back to the Second World War, a period when Thailand was seeking to promote its national identity. The Prime Minister at the time, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, initiated a series of cultural reforms, including changes in diet. The government encouraged the consumption of rice noodles, a local alternative to imported wheat noodles. It was against this backdrop that pad thai was born, as a dish that embodied the newly asserted Thai identity.

Pad Thai was born of the creativity of street chefs who transformed simple rice noodles into a deliciously balanced dish. The choice of ingredients has evolved over time, but the basis of the dish has remained the same: rice noodles stir-fried in a wok, mixed with eggs, protein ( shrimp, chicken or tofu) and an exquisite sauce.

Now, the sauce is the secret of its success. Made from tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar and chillies, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy and umami. This unique combination of flavours has conquered palates the world over.

Over the decades, pad thai has become an icon of Thai street food, appreciated as much for its delicious taste as for the visual experience of its dynamic preparation. Whether on the bustling streets of Bangkok or on international menus here at home, pad thai continues to captivate food lovers around the world, recalling its humble beginnings as a dish born of a time of cultural change and self-assertion.

Here’s our list of the best pad thai in Montreal!