Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s as part of a national effort to promote Thai culture and reduce rice consumption by encouraging the use of rice noodles. The dish reflects Thailand’s culinary philosophy of balancing sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. Made with rice noodles tossed with egg, five-spiced tofu, scallions, and bean sprouts, then topped with ground peanuts and lime, Pad Thai combines vibrant textures and tastes in a way that has made it a symbol of Thai cuisine around the world.