Pad Kra Pao — Spicy Basil with Meat, Thailand's Most Popular Dish

Pad Kra Pao is not just a dish, it's a symbol of Thai cuisine that can be found everywhere: from street stalls to fine restaurants. Stir-fried dish with Thai basil, meat, garlic, and chili peppers, served with egg and rice — this dish has won the hearts of millions of people around the world with its simplicity, spiciness, and aroma. In this article, we'll tell you about the history of Pad Kra Pao, its ingredients, varieties, and where to try it best in Thailand.

What is Pad Kra Pao?

Pad Kra Pao (Pad Krapow) is a traditional Thai dish, whose name translates as "stir-fried basil". The dish is prepared in a wok (deep pan) with meat (chicken, pork, or beef), Thai basil (Kra Pao), garlic, chili peppers, and soy sauce. The dish is served with a fried egg (Kai Dao) and white rice. Pad Kra Pao is usually quite spicy and has a pronounced basil aroma.

Pad Kra Pao is not just food, it's comfort food for Thais. This dish is eaten for lunch and dinner, and it always brings comfort and satisfaction thanks to its spicy and aromatic taste.

History of Pad Kra Pao

Pad Kra Pao has deep roots in Thai culinary tradition. The dish was created in central Thailand and was originally prepared as a simple dish from local ingredients: Thai basil, meat, and spices. Over time, the recipe spread throughout Thailand and became one of the most popular dishes in Thai cuisine, especially among locals.

Today, Pad Kra Pao is a must-have item on the menu of any Thai restaurant and is especially popular among those who love spicy food.

Pad Kra Pao Ingredients

Classic Pad Kra Pao consists of the following main ingredients:

Main components:

• Meat — chicken, pork, or beef, cut into small pieces
• Thai basil (Kra Pao) — gives unique aroma
• Garlic — for depth of flavor
• Thai chili peppers (Prik Kee Nu) — for spiciness
• Egg — fried egg (Kai Dao) for serving
• Rice — white jasmine rice

Sauce:

• Soy sauce — for saltiness
• Fish sauce (nam pla) — for umami
• Sugar — for flavor balance
• Oyster sauce — for depth of flavor

Garnishes:

• Fried egg (Kai Dao)
• Rice
• Lime wedges
• Cucumbers (optional)

Pad Kra Pao Varieties

Pad Kra Pao Gai (with Chicken)

Classic version with chicken. Chicken is cut into small pieces and quickly stir-fried with basil. This is the most popular version of the dish.

Pad Kra Pao Moo (with Pork)

Version with pork. Pork is cut into small pieces and quickly stir-fried. Popular among locals.

Pad Kra Pao Neua (with Beef)

Version with beef. Beef is cut into small pieces and quickly stir-fried. Less traditional, but very popular.

Pad Kra Pao Goong (with Shrimp)

Version with shrimp. Shrimp is stir-fried with basil, giving the dish a special seafood aroma.

Pad Kra Pao Kai Dao (with Fried Egg)

Classic version with fried egg (Kai Dao). The egg is fried until crispy and served on top of the dish.

Where to Try the Best Pad Kra Pao

In Bangkok

In Bangkok, Pad Kra Pao is prepared especially well. Street stalls offer this dish for 50-80 baht, and often the street version is tastier than the restaurant version. Local chefs prepare Pad Kra Pao every day and know all the secrets of its preparation. Especially popular are stalls in the Siam area and at Chatuchak Market.

Best places in Bangkok:

• Street stalls in the Siam area
• Chatuchak Market
• Food courts in shopping malls
• Thai cuisine restaurants

In Phuket

In Phuket, Pad Kra Pao is prepared with special attention to detail. Restaurants and street stalls offer this dish at affordable prices. Especially popular are stalls at night markets and in Phuket Old Town.

In Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, Pad Kra Pao is a popular dish for lunch and dinner. Street stalls offer this dish, and it's especially popular among locals and tourists.

At Street Stalls

Street stalls are the best place to try authentic Pad Kra Pao. Chefs prepare the dish right before your eyes in huge woks, using traditional techniques. Prices here are the most affordable — from 50 to 80 baht per serving.

Advantages of street stalls:

• Freshly prepared dish
• Authentic taste
• Low prices
• Opportunity to watch the cooking process

How to Order Pad Kra Pao

When ordering Pad Kra Pao in Thailand, you can specify your preferences:

• "Mai phet" — not spicy (but this will change the character of the dish)
• "Phet nit noi" — a little spicy
• "Phet mak" — very spicy
• "Gai" — with chicken
• "Moo" — with pork
• "Neua" — with beef
• "Goong" — with shrimp
• "Kai Dao" — with fried egg

Pad Kra Pao Recipe (Basic)

Although it's better to try the original in Thailand, here's a basic recipe for home cooking:

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 300g chicken or pork
• 2 cups Thai basil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3-5 Thai chili peppers
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 eggs for frying
• Rice for serving

Preparation:

1. Heat a wok or large pan
2. Fry garlic and chili peppers
3. Add meat and fry until done
4. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce
5. Add basil and quickly mix
6. Fry eggs separately
7. Serve with rice and fried egg

Tips for Tourists

1. Try it at street stalls — it's cheaper and often tastier than in restaurants. Street chefs prepare this dish every day and know all the secrets.

2. Be careful with spiciness — Pad Kra Pao can be very spicy. Ask for "phet nit noi" (a little spicy) if you're not used to spicy food.

3. Try it with fried egg — fried egg (Kai Dao) is an integral part of the dish and adds texture and flavor.

4. Eat with rice — Pad Kra Pao is usually served with white rice, which helps soften the spiciness and complements the dish's flavor.

5. Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for Pad Kra Pao near you, taking into account your spiciness preferences.

6. Try it in different cities — Pad Kra Pao can differ depending on the region. In Bangkok, it's prepared with special attention to detail.

Conclusion

Pad Kra Pao is more than just a dish. It's a symbol of Thai cuisine that combines spiciness, aroma, and simplicity in one dish. From street stalls in Bangkok to restaurants in Phuket — Pad Kra Pao is prepared differently everywhere, but always with skill and love. Try this dish in different places, and you'll discover all the diversity of its flavors. Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for Pad Kra Pao near you!