10 Comments
User's avatar
Sanjay Varman's avatar

Curious about the deconstructed Pad Thai not working. Thoughts on why it doesn't stack up to the original?

Expand full comment
Courtney Brandt's avatar

I agree with Liam's assessment, it lacks what makes Pad Thai...Pad Thai. While I think the attempt is valiant, I think the dish should remain on the streets.

Expand full comment
Liam Collens's avatar

It was one of those things where if you are going to take a classic Dish-even a dish that is variable at the edges depending on who makes it-and then deconstruct it, you have to make it at least as good as original or substantially better. And in that regard while I like the cleverness of what was done, it was not as enjoyable as just eating a bowl of Pad Thai.

Expand full comment
John Sconzo's avatar

As always, Liam, I enjoyed your post, especially this one as I shared the meal with you. I fully agree with your assessment of the duck and of the meal overall, but while the pad Thai may not have been the dish of the meal, nor as wonderful as the best street pad Thai, it was nevertheless quite good and a ton of fun. I happily scarfed mine down.

Expand full comment
Liam Collens's avatar

I definitely ate mine too! Miss you John! Wish I was still traveling with you and eating well.

Expand full comment
John Sconzo's avatar

Likewise!

Expand full comment
Emma Waddell's avatar

Always entranced by your writing but the description of the duck was especially memorable! Consider me convinced to book a flight…

Expand full comment
Liam Collens's avatar

Remember to order seconds and then go to the Opium bar until remembering becomes harder to do.

Expand full comment
Devina Divecha's avatar

Nice one - last time I was in Bangkok, I opted for Gaa (fabulous fabulous fabulous), but will defo put this on my list for next time!

Expand full comment
Liam Collens's avatar

Gaa is good. Last time I went was pre COVID so it’s been a while!

Expand full comment