If you visit Nong Khai and are looking for authentic Pad Thai with a taste even foreigners praise, this spot is a must-visit.
"Pad Thai Yai Kae," a legendary eatery located in front of the Nong Khai Municipality Office on Prajak Silpakom Road, is famous not just for its name but for the delicious flavor passed down from mother to child for over 30 years.
The secret to its deliciousness lies in the fiery charm of the charcoal stove. In an era when many use gas, this restaurant firmly maintains the unique "charcoal stove" method. The second-generation heir explained that charcoal is key because it provides even, intense heat. The faint smoky aroma coats the noodles, giving the Pad Thai a rare wok fragrance. The noodles are chewy and tender, perfectly cooked, stir-fried dry—not soggy or mushy. This is a charm gas stoves cannot replicate.
Another standout feature that keeps customers coming back is the fresh lime's sour aroma. Instead of using "tamarind sauce," the recipe uses the sharp sourness of fresh lime, balancing the gentle sweetness of sugar. Stir-fried over high heat until the flavor fully absorbs into the noodles, the taste is harmonious and smooth, requiring almost no extra seasoning.
The restaurant offers various noodle choices to suit any preference, including small rice noodles, rice vermicelli, glass noodles, or the dry soup style, with options to emphasize more toppings if desired.
Both locals and tourists alike praise this as a taste that "hits the spot" and is well worth trying. Pad Thai Yai Kae (Charcoal Stove Pad Thai) is located on Prajak Silpakom Road, in front of the Nong Khai Municipality Office, open from 16:30 to 21:00.
