What is pad krapow?

Pad krapow is one of the most popular and easy to prepare dishes from Thai cuisine. Holy basil (called bai krapow) is stir-fried along with a source of protein (stuffed meat, fried fish or tofu), garlic, chilli peppers and other typical Thai flavourings. Sometimes green beans or spring onions are also added.

The holy basil – the krapow – is the star of the dish. You can tell by the name and you notice it in your mouth. Once you get used to the heat of the chillies, its obvious taste and aroma, which is peppery and powerful and unlike anything else, will soon become apparent.

You could call pad krapow fast food, although it is healthy fast food. It is available from early morning to late evening in food stalls on the streets of Bangkok and other cities. The Thai like to eat it for lunch, or if they suddenly feel hungry and want to eat something tasty quickly.

Order your pad krapow in a restaurant, and you will usually be asked if you want it “hot”. If you say yes, be prepared for a searingly hot version that heightens all your senses and makes your eyes water. A crispy fried egg, complete with brown-fried edges, regularly appears on top of the dish, which is then called pad krapow kai dao.

Rice krapow belongs to pad. Eating pad krapow without rice is like eating a jar of sauce without adding anything. Rice counteracts the heat as it is mild and soft, and the nutty taste of pandan or glutinous rice gives an extra dimension to the whole.