Pad Thai (팟타이): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Thailand's famous stir-fried rice noodle dish, tossed with tamarind-sweet sauce, egg, bean sprouts and peanuts. It is sweet, tangy and gently savory, a friendly introduction to Thai flavors that suits almost every palate.

Say it to order
팟타이 주세요
Patthai juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Squeeze lime over the noodles and sprinkle on the crushed peanuts and chili flakes at the table, then toss well before eating. Use a fork and spoon, twirling the noodles gently.
Do
- Use the spoon and fork together to lift the noodles, as is common in Thai restaurants.
Don’t
- Don't add extra sauce before tasting, since the dish is already seasoned.
Local tips
- Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of sugar-free chili flakes only if you want more heat.
- Ask for it without shrimp or with tofu if you prefer a vegetarian version.
Goes with
- Lime wedges
- Crushed peanuts
- Chili flakes
- Thai iced tea
- Thai beer
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Pad Thai in Korean?
- Say “팟타이 주세요” (Patthai juseyo).
- Is Pad Thai spicy?
- Yes — about 1 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Pad Thai cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩12,000–14,000.
- How do you eat Pad Thai?
- Squeeze lime over the noodles and sprinkle on the crushed peanuts and chili flakes at the table, then toss well before eating. Use a fork and spoon, twirling the noodles gently.
Find Pad Thai near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.