Short history: Rice noodles were invented in China about 2200 years ago – but Pad Thai was actually invented in the 1930s by the prime minister at the time, Plaek Phibunsongkhram. There are two different theories as to his motivations behind creating this dish. One is that Thailand at the time was very focused on nation-building, and he created this dish and named it Pad Thai as a way to increase the Nationalism of the country. The second thought is that during World War II there was a shortage of rice in Thailand, and the prime minister encouraged the consumption of noodles instead. Afterward, rice noodles became more popular in the country. Either way, this delicious dish will provide you with antioxidants, essential minerals, and vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K. Pad Thai is considered a fifth of the World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods by a CNN Reader’s Poll.