Foreigner FriendlyYes
✗VegetarianAdventurous
Spice Level
Price Range40-60 THB
About This Dish
Thailand's most eaten everyday dish: minced meat stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, chili, and fish sauce. Served over rice with a crispy fried egg on top -- the ultimate Thai comfort food.
Flavor Profile
The balance of tastes in this dish
Sweet2/5
Sour1/5
Salty3/5
Spicy3/5
Umami3/5
History & Origin
Pad kra pao is Thailand's most ubiquitous everyday dish, found at every street stall and restaurant. Holy basil has been used in Thai cooking for centuries, valued in traditional medicine for its warming properties. The dish became a national staple in the 20th century as urban street food culture boomed.
Best Time to Eat
Perfect Pairings
Steamed riceCrispy fried egg (kai dao)
Insider Tips
- 1Holy basil (krapao) is different from Thai basil -- the correct herb is essential for authentic flavor
- 2Order 'kai dao' (fried egg) on top -- the crispy edges complement the spicy meat perfectly
How to Order
Point and say this to order like a local
Pronunciation:pad kra pao
ผัดกะเพรา
Say this: Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)
Cuisine Region: Central Thai
Price Range: 40-60 THB
Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
Where to Try It
The best city to experience this dish
Bangkok
The best city to experience this dish
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