Pad Krapow

A dish to take your breath away

Pad Krapow ผัดกระเพา
(pad krapao)

The aromas from Pad Krapow, this traditional Thai dish, rise from the kitchen before it has even got to your table. It is the favourite streetfood choice for Thais on the streets of Bangkok.

Pad means “stir-fried,” krapow means “holy basil, so literally, “stir-fry holy basil’. My favourite version is with beef, but it also great with chicken, prawn and as a vegetarian dish.

There is no mistaking the sizzle, as chillies, holy basil and garlic are stir-fried in a black soy sauce before vegetables are added to create a cacophonous roar from the wok.

You could ask for this to be mild, but don’t, brace yourself, I like to cook it authentically Thai.