Despite (or, perhaps, because of) the unorthodox style of his Michelin-starred restaurant, chef Ton has become an unofficial ambassador for Thai food-in addition to his several beloved eateries, from tasting menus to home style to sustainable seafood, in Bangkok and Phuket, he owns Thai restaurants in Taiwan, is a judge on Top Chef Thailand and is frequently found jetting around the world for pop-ups and collaborations. on Asia’s 50 Best list 2023 for his fine diner Le Du, where he uses French techniques with Thai flavors for a delicious multi-course meal that is refined yet inventive. Just ask super-chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn. It might even be consumed more outside the country than in.Ĭhef Ton Tassanakajohn. Today, we think Phibunsongkhram would be pretty chuffed with himself: pad Thai is undeniably the dish that most foreigners associate closest with Thailand. Unfortunately for our purposes, there’s no part of the story in which the nation survived on the dish during a pandemic, but Phibunsongkhram did distribute the recipe along with food carts throughout the country to encourage people to make and eat the dish as much as possible. It was also a way to promote noodles, which require about half as much grain as a bowl full of rice, during a rice shortage after the second world war. It was said to have been one of the prime minister’s favorite dishes made by his housekeeper. Phibunsongkhram issued 12 cultural mandates from 1939 to 1942, including changing the country’s name from Siam to Thailand, commissioning music for a new national anthem, and the creation of a national dish: pad Thai. He was wise to see the solution in an irresistible plate of noodles. He was looking for a way to unite the ethnically diverse population through culture and establish a national identity. The fact that pad Thai can dependably be found in Thai restaurants around the world is no accident: 80 years ago the dish was imposed upon the Thai population as a cornerstone ingredient of a nationalistic agenda by then-prime minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram. And couldn’t we all always do with fulfilling some travel fantasies through our palates?

These stir-fried noodles are the perfect balance of salty, spicy, sour and sweet (read: very tasty) and surprisingly easy to ace at home. WHEN DONE RIGHT, pad Thai can transport you to straight to the streets of Bangkok.

Making chicken pad thai