Dish Guide

Drunken Noodles — Poway's Most-Craved Thai Noodle Dish

June 2026 • 5 min read

If you ask regulars what they always order at Takhrai Thai, the answer is almost always the same: Drunken Noodles. Wide, flat rice noodles tossed in a blazing hot wok with garlic, Thai chilies, fresh bell peppers, bean sprouts, onions, and holy basil — it is the kind of dish that keeps people coming back week after week.

Known in Thailand as Pad Kee Mao, Drunken Noodles are one of the most popular street food dishes in Thai cuisine. At Takhrai Thai, we have been making them the traditional way since 1999 — fresh ingredients, no MSG, and a heat level you actually control.

What Makes Takhrai Thai's Drunken Noodles Different

A lot of Thai restaurants in San Diego offer Drunken Noodles, but the details matter. We use wide, fresh flat rice noodles — not the thin or medium variety — because they absorb the wok sauce better and give you that satisfying chewy bite. The holy basil is added at the very end of cooking so the aroma stays alive on the plate.

Our chef adjusts the wok heat based on your spice preference — from completely no-spice for those who are sensitive, all the way up to Thai-level extra spicy for guests who want the full experience. The garlic and chilies are fresh, not from a paste or jar.

Choose Your Protein

Drunken Noodles at Takhrai Thai are available with your choice of protein, all at different price points:

Vegetarian / Eggplant — $17.95
Chicken or Pork — $17.95
Beef — $18.95
Shrimp, Roast Duck, or Calamari — $19.95
Scallops or Mixed Seafood — $20.95

Choose Your Spice Level

All our noodle dishes can be prepared at any heat level. Just let us know when you order — or select your preference through iMenu4u when ordering online:

No Spice
Mild
Medium
Spicy
Extra Spicy (Thai-level heat)

Order Drunken Noodles Online or Dine In

You can order Drunken Noodles online through iMenu4u for pickup or delivery — your food is prepared fresh when your order comes in. If you prefer to sit down and enjoy the full Takhrai Thai experience, we are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM at 12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy.

What Goes Well with Drunken Noodles

If you are building a full meal, Drunken Noodles pair well with our Thai Dumplings or Spring Rolls to start, and our Thai Ice Tea is the perfect drink to balance the heat. If you are ordering for a group, the Takhrai Thai Sampler makes a great shared starter before the noodles arrive.

Good to Know: Drunken Noodles are naturally dairy-free. For gluten-free options, speak with our team as some ingredients contain soy sauce. Vegetarian version available with tofu or eggplant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are a Thai stir-fry dish made with wide flat rice noodles, garlic, Thai chilies, bell peppers, bean sprouts, and holy basil. The dish gets its name from Thai slang — not from alcohol — and is one of the most popular noodle dishes in Thailand.

They can be made at any spice level at Takhrai Thai — from no spice to extra spicy. By default they have a medium heat. Just let us know your preference when you order.

The noodles themselves are made from rice and are gluten-free. However, the sauce contains soy sauce which may not be gluten-free. Please speak with our team if you have a gluten sensitivity.

Yes. You can order online through iMenu4u for pickup or delivery. We are located at 12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy, Poway CA 92064.

Takhrai Thai at 12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy has been Poway's top-rated Thai restaurant since 1999...