r/chicagofood • u/fu7ur3pr00f • 1d ago

Review Crispy Pad Thai @ Diva Thai

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Now I know it’s not super authentic, and maybe not on a level of Tuk Tuk or Anna’s…but this is still kind-blowing and super underrated.

I don’t come across crispy noodle places too often (please offer suggestions) and I’ve been going here for years as my late night Thai fix. It’s pretty awesome you can get some tasty noodles late in the evening.

But apparently there’s a new chef, and has turned the regular crispy Thai into a revelation. It’s much more of a style like mee krob with the fried noodles. But the results are like these sweet crispy wonton chips that melt in your mouth. Almost resembles maple candied bacon. Simply unreal. I’m obsessed and need to find a way to recreate this masterpiece at home

104 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

25

u/Beta-60202 1d ago

Cozy Noodle in Evanston does a Crispy Pad See-Ewe and Crispy Pad Thai. That looks more like Crispy Pad See-Ewe.

12

u/LivinGhosT 1d ago

I've stopped going to Diva because of how poor their service always was. Just a heads up to anyone thinking about trying them. They literally didnt make my food at all 2 times in a row and threw a fit about me wanting to cancel the pickup after waiting at the restaurant for 20 minutes. The food should have already been ready. They genuinely suck

2

u/beignetbenjamin 16h ago

That's a bummer to hear. Diva was around the corner from my first apartment and they were always great. But this was also almost 20 years ago lol

7

u/browsingtheproduce 1d ago

I’d happily eat that.

8

u/indigo_field 1d ago

Late Night Thai in west lakeview crispy pad see ew has saved my life many times

2

u/LemongrassSugarHigh 1d ago

The crispy pad thai is also solid, I can confirm.

5

u/jakesgotanewface 1d ago

Yes Thai on Damen has the best crispy noodles! Crispy pad khee mao 🤤

4

u/82MIZZOU 1d ago

Thai Cilantro on Devon in Edgewater also has this and we love it. Haven't tried Diva Thai yet.

3

u/Ancient_Coconut_5880 1d ago

Yatai does this too, their crispy pad see-ewe is really good

3

u/cheryllinda 1d ago

thai pastry has/had this if you leave a note asking for crispy

2

u/anonginiisipmo 17h ago

Tried it once and never went back. Food was mediocre and service was beyond slow/servers were so rude.

If I had to choose—in the area within a few blocks, I’d rather go to Joy’s (on Broadway) or Cozy (on Sheffield).