Lo Mein and Pad Thai are popular noodle meals eaten across Asia but have become staples across the globe. Recently, Asian cuisines have topped the charts at several local and exotic restaurants, sparking a dispute about which meal is better in terms of flavor and nutrition.
Since these meals are often pitted against each other, we have gathered information on everything you should know regarding Lo Mein and Pad Thai. We provided the similarities and differences between both meals. Tips on how to enjoy the meals have also been included.
Keep reading to know which meal is tastier and more nutritious.
Lo Mein Nutrition
These are the nutritional elements contained in a serving size of 136 grams. Per serving, Lo Mein noodles contain 165 calories.
| Nutritional element | Grams | Daily Value |
| Total fat | 3.2 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 0.6 g | 3% |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 1.8 g | |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0.8 g | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 585 mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 143 mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 27 g | 9% |
| Protein | 6.5 g | |
| Vitamin C | – | 3.9% |
| Vitamin A | – | 4.9% |
| Vitamin B6 | – | 0% |
| Iron | – | 8.1% |
| Magnesium | – | 0% |
| Calcium | – | 2.2% |
| Cobalamin | – | 0% |
Pad Thai Nutrition
These are the nutritional elements contained in a serving size of 195grams. Per serving, Pad thai contains 331 calories.
| Nutritional element | Grams | Daily Value |
| Total fat | 18 g | 28% |
| Saturated fat | 4.3 g | 22% |
| Trans fat | 0.3 g | |
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 513 mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 312 mg | 9% |
| Total carbohydrate | 18 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 7% |
| Sugar | 7.1 g | |
| Protein | 25 g | |
| Vitamin C | – | 18% |
| Vitamin A | – | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | – | 0% |
| Iron | – | 9% |
| Magnesium | – | 0% |
| Calcium | – | 4% |
| Cobalamin | – | 0% |
Lo Mein vs Pad Thai Differences And Similarities
The only similarity between Lo Mein and Pad Thai is that both dishes are made with noodles, although different kinds of noodles. Both meals are also available in street food stalls and exotic restaurants.
These are the differences between Lo Mein and Pad Thai:
| Differences | Lo Mein | Pad Thai |
| Origin | Lo Mein is Chinese cuisine. | Pad Thai is a traditional Thai dish. |
| Taste/Flavor | Lo Mein has a salty flavor. | Pad Thai has a sweet and spicy flavor. |
| Texture | Lo Mein noodles are thicker and chewier. | Pad Thai noodles are thinner and softer in texture. |
| Preparation style | Lo Mein noodles are boiled. | Pad Thai noodles are stir-fried. |
| Preparation duration | Lo Mein has a shorter preparation time. | Pad Thai takes longer to prepare. |
| Nutrients | Lo Mein is a healthier meal because it is low in fat, calories, and cholesterol. | Pad Thai contains dietary fiber but is high in fat and cholesterol. |
| Ingredients/Seasoning | Lo Mein is usually made with soy or oyster sauce and sesame or scallion oil to produce a salty flavor. | Pad Thai is usually made with fish sauce, palm sugar, and peanuts to produce a savory dish. It has a richer flavor. |
| Noodle Type | Lo Mein is made with wheat noodles. | Pad Thai is made with rice noodles. |
| Gluten | Lo Mein contains gluten. | Pad Thai is a gluten-free dish. |
| Vegetables | Lo Mein is rarely served with vegetables. | Vegetables are usually served as a side dish with Pad Thai. |
Cooking Lo Mein And Pad Thai
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your Lo Mein and Pad Thai dishes:
- Always follow the instructions on the package as the suggested cook time will be specified.
- To avoid soggy noodles in Pad Thai, transfer the noodles to a colander as soon as they are al dente. You can rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Don’t overcook the noodles.
Which tastes better, Lo Mein or Pad Thai?
Both meals have distinct flavors, so whether one tastes better is a matter of personal preference. Lo Mein may taste better if you want a salty flavor, whereas Pad Thai will taste better if you prefer a sweet flavor.
Final Note
When correctly prepared and seasoned, lo mein and pad Thai are delectable dishes.
Be creative with additional flavor and toppings to get the most out of both meals; this will also improve their nutrients. The nutritional elements of both meals differ; consult your dietitian to decide which dish is best for you.
