Sponsored Content

Doctors’ Orders: Another healthy serving of eating well at Duke’s Pad Thai

Sponsored by
A white plate of shrimp pad thai on a green table.

Thai food combines fresh produce, lean proteins, and tangy sauces to create dishes bursting with big flavors and nutrients.

Photo via Pexels

We’re heading back to Duke’s Pad Thai for another round of Doctors’ Orders — a series in which Midlands physicians weigh in on what to eat at some of our favorite local restaurants. Yup, the craving hit hard.

This time, we’re dining with Dr. Benjamin White of the South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center.

“Thai cuisine is full of bright and vibrant flavors without being dense in calories,” Dr. White said. “Eat your meal slowly, savor it, and quit when you’re full, no matter how delicious it is. This is good advice for any carb-heavy meal, like noodles, pasta, or rice. "

His order? The fresh, spicy, and tangy papaya salad to share + the shrimp pad thai loaded up with extra herbs and bean sprouts. “It’s a street food classic for a reason — it’s delicious and filling,” he said.

“If you’re watching your carbs or calories, Bangkok Chicken Basil is a great choice, but hold the rice.”

More healthy eating tips

More from COLAtoday
The Fireflies revive the Capital City Bombers at Segra Park July 10–12 with throwback merch, promotions, and Columbia baseball history.
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Columbia in the spring — find out where you can go to catch a sighting.
South Carolina Ballet’s William Starrett received the Order of the Palmetto during the company’s 65th anniversary performance.
Plan your day at the 44th annual St. Pat’s in Five Points with this quick guide to music, the parade, races, and more.
Columbia arts leader Larry Hembree will receive One Columbia’s 2026 Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, honoring decades of cultural leadership.
Nearly 200 free wellness classes — from yoga to Zumba — launch at Finlay Park starting Monday, March 16.
We asked new COLAtoday subscribers their favorite restaurant in the Columbia area. These 10 spots were mentioned the most.
It’s free to attend as the sports network spotlights Greenville and the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
South Carolina opens the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, March 6, in Greenville, with fan deals, downtown events, and the Gamecock Club headquarters.
Presales are open and spring temps are rising — here’s where to stock up on natives, heirlooms, and blooms before they sell out.