Pad Thai Haw Khai (Pad Thai Wrapped in Omelette)
A neat parcel of prawn pad thai wrapped in a thin golden omelette, the way many Bangkok restaurants serve it.
Made with Pad Thai sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time40 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.66 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Soak the noodles in hot water for 8 to 10 minutes until bendy but firm, then drain.
9 min - 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over a high heat. Fry the garlic for 20 seconds, add the prawns and cook for 2 minutes until pink. Add the noodles and your ready made pad thai sauce (see the base recipe) and toss for 2 to 3 minutes until glossy.
3 min - 3
Add the beansprouts and spring onions, toss for 20 seconds, then divide into 4 mounds on a plate and keep warm.
- 4
Heat a non stick frying pan over a medium heat and brush with a little oil. Pour in a quarter of the beaten egg, swirling it into a thin sheet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just set.
1 min 30 s - 5
Slide the omelette onto a plate, put a mound of noodles in the middle and fold the edges over like a parcel, or simply drape the omelette over the top. Repeat to make 4 omelettes.
- 6
Serve straight away with coriander and lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Use a non stick pan and keep the heat medium. Too hot and the egg goes brown and brittle before it sets.
- Beat the eggs with 1 tbsp of water per 2 eggs. The omelette stays thin and tender and is easier to fold.
- Cook the prawns only until pink. They carry on cooking in the hot noodles.
Storing and freezing
Eat straight away. Prawns and egg do not reheat well, so cook only what you will eat. Leftovers keep 1 day in the fridge if cooled within 1 hour.
Questions
What does haw khai mean?
Haw khai means wrapped in egg in Thai. Pad thai served in a thin omelette is a popular restaurant style, sometimes called pad thai song khrueang.
Can I make the omelettes ahead?
Yes, but only by an hour or so. Stack them with baking paper between and keep covered. Fresh is better, as they stay soft.
Can I use chicken instead of prawns?
Yes. Use 250 g thinly sliced chicken thigh and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes before the noodles go in.
More made with pad thai sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.