What Does “Pad” Mean in Thai Food?

Thai food is fried in a wok by kochkiste.ch

In Thai language, the word “pad” simply means fried. So, khao pad means fried rice. Pad pak means fried vegetables.  

Many types of Thai food are lightly fried in a wok. Keep in mind that Thai foods that are “fried” are not as unhealthy as American foods that are fried.

Thai food is not deep-fried, but lightly fried in a little oil with spices, so don’t start thinking that Thai food is unhealthy simply because it’s fried, because it’s not.