Pad Thai VS Pad Lao (Kua Mee)

Pad Thai and pad Lao (kua mee) are two noodle dishes that might look alike, but the flavor and the way they’re prepared are a lot different. One uses tangy tamarind as a key ingredient, and the other gets its signature taste from caramelized sugar.

Side-by-side comparison of pad Thai vs pad lao noodle dishes.

What is the difference between pad Thai and pad Lao?

Pad Thai is saucy, made with rice noodles, tamarind, and usually stir-fried with shrimp, tofu, and peanuts. It tastes tangy, slightly sweet, and savory. Pad Lao (kua mee) also uses rice noodles but tastes sweet-savory flavor from caramelized sugar, includes egg strips, and is drier, often served at room temperature.

A breakdown of pad Lao

Country: Laos’s iconic dry noodle dish
Noodles: Rice noodles
Flavor: Sweet-salty from caramelized sugar
Egg: Always includes a thin, seasoned omelet sliced into strips
Sauce: Light soy/oyster sauce mix with no tamarind
Protein: Optional; can be served plain, or with pork or tofu, etc
Texture: Dry-style stir-fry, slightly glossy and chewy
How it’s served: Often at room temperature, great for gatherings

The noodles are caramelized in sugar, adding a touch of sweetness. The seasoned egg strips are unique to this dish, and the flavors are a balance of sweet and salty.

Lao kua mee noodles with egg strips, bean sprouts, and herbs served in a bamboo plate with a floral garnish

A breakdown of pad Thai

Country: Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle dish
Noodles: Rice noodles
Flavor: Tangy, sweet, and slightly savory
Egg: Scrambled directly into the noodles
Pad Thai sauce: Made with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar
Protein: Usually includes shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a combo
Texture: Saucy, slippery, and rich
How it’s served: Hot, topped with peanuts, bean sprouts, and sometimes lime

The noodles are stir-fried in a pad Thai sauce. Egg is always stir-fried with the noodles, and the tangy flavor from tamarind is what sets it apart.

Authentic beef pad Thai in a bamboo basket with lime, chili flakes, peanuts, sugar, and fresh vegetables.

My suggestion

Both dishes are delicious in their own way, but Pad Lao (Kua Mee) is rarely seen on restaurant menus outside Laos and northeastern Thailand, making it a unique dish to try at home! Pad Thai is the well-known rice noodle stir-fry with bold, saucy flavors, and you can try it at just about any Thai restaurant or make it yourself with beef or a vegetarian version!