Food in Thailand occasionally resembles its counterparts in the States by design. When that original ingredient Mama used to put in your Pad Thai can't be found in the US you make do with an herb that may or may not be from the same herbal family. We found a little hole-in-the-wall in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand in an alleyway as you drive into town. The restaurant had no name, just signs that advertised Pad Thai as their only dish and the price: 20 baht (about 65 cents). It came heaped on a plate, mild enough for this farang (foreigner), but with table spices for the most adventurous in our group. Under harsh fluourescent light we wolfed down one or two plateloads and found that this traditional Northern Thai dish went well with a cold Singha beer. For a landmark to locate our find, look for the neon "Marijuana" sign just around the corner. I think the sign designated a bar, but we'll investigate on our next trip.