[5] Its name refers to it being popular among the inebriated; alcohol is not part of the ingredients or preparation as in drunken chicken.

[4] One anecdotal explanation for the name "drunkard (or drunken) noodles" is that the meal is often consumed after a night of drinking, prepared from assorted leftovers commonly on hand and staple ingredients.

[1] The base ingredients of the aforementioned spicy stir-fry are garlic, shallots, fresh chilies, and shrimp paste, and holy basil (for topping).

The meat or seafood can be replaced with tofu or vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers.

[6] Drunken fried rice or khao phat khi mao are similarly prepared dishes using the same base ingredients.