Quick Answer
Clue: “Noodle dish garnished with lime wedges and crushed peanuts”
Answer: PADTHAI
Answer length: 7 letters
Clue number & direction: 1-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Noodle dish garnished with lime wedges and crushed peanuts” is answered with PADTHAI.
Why “PADTHAI” Is the Right NYT Answer
- The clue describes a specific, classic Thai noodle dish: stir-fried rice noodles typically served with lime wedges and crushed peanuts on top, which is exactly pad thai.
- With 7 letters and no space in a crossword grid, PADTHAI fits the definition, the length, and the expected spelling pattern for this well-known dish.
What “PADTHAI” Means in Plain English
- Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish usually made with rice noodles, egg, vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce, often including tamarind and fish sauce.
- It’s commonly garnished with lime wedges and crushed peanuts, matching the clue almost word-for-word.
Crossword-Specific Help and Patterns
- In the grid, PADTHAI appears as P A D T H A I, so early patterns might look like PADT__I or P_DTHAI.
- It’s not obscure “crosswordese” but a modern staple answer; similar clues include “Thai takeout order” or “Dish with rice noodles and peanuts.”
- Crossings from across entries like SAUNA, MADMEN, BEDTIME, and OLDHEAD will naturally lock in the consonant-vowel pattern P-A-D-T-H-A-I down the column.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see “noodle dish” plus “lime” and “peanuts,” think PAD THAI first; nothing else matches that combo as neatly.
For 7-letter food entries from world cuisines, expect spaces to be removed (PADTHAI, FRIEDRICE, ELOTECORN, etc.), and let crossings confirm unusual consonant clusters.
