Rat na

Rat Na, also known as Rad Na, is a delectable Thai-Chinese noodle dish that enjoys widespread popularity in Thailand. The name is pronounced in Thai colloquial speech. This dish features stir-fried wide rice noodles combined with your choice of protein—be it chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or tofu. It typically includes garlic, straw mushrooms, and gai lan (Chinese broccoli).

The highlight of Rat Na is its savory sauce enveloping the noodles. This sauce is crafted from a broth thickened with either tapioca starch or cornstarch, and it is seasoned with sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. In Thailand, Rat Na is often served with additional condiments such as sugar, fish sauce, sliced chilies in vinegar, and ground dried chilies, allowing diners to adjust the flavor to their preference.

There are several variations of Rat Na. Some recipes use rice vermicelli instead of wide noodles, while others feature the sauce poured over deep-fried, thin egg noodles, which soften under the savory liquid. If gai lan is unavailable, broccoli or kale are often used as substitutes.

Rat Na has its origins in China. It was initially a high-end restaurant dish, but the Teochew people began selling it to the working class, which contributed to its growing popularity in Thailand. Traditionally, Rat Na in Thailand was served with extra sauce on a banana leaf, and diners would cut the large circular noodles themselves as they ate.

For those in Bangkok craving Rat Na, several notable spots are worth visiting. These include Tanao Road near the Giant Swing and Bangkok City Hall, Wang Burapha near Thieves' Market and Saphan Lek, the Sam Yan neighborhood in Pathum Wan, and the Yaowarat neighborhood in Chinatown, all renowned for their excellent Rat Na.