Pairing Pad Thai correctly — a note on nam manao lime soda

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Pad Thai. I ordered it with nam manao lime soda and the deeply aromatic elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. Thai basil in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Thai cooking philosophy balances four key flavour profiles in every dish. The a family restaurant is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Pad Thai with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.