Thai food

Stir-fried basil, known in Thailand as Pad Kra Pao, is one of the most popular and beloved Thai single-plate dishes. A true street-food classic, it can be found everywhere in Thailand—from humble roadside stalls to well-known restaurants. Thais often call it a “desperation menu,” meaning that when you cannot decide what to eat, stir-fried basil is always the first and most satisfying choice. Despite this nickname, Pad Kra Pao is far from ordinary; it is a fast, flavorful dish that perfectly delivers all the essential Thai tastes in one plate.

The dish is famous for its bold and aromatic flavors, combining spicy chilies, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil leaves stir-fried over high heat. It offers a delicious balance of spicy, salty, and savory notes that appeal to people of all ages and social backgrounds. Stir-fried basil is not only tasty but also nutritionally complete, providing protein, herbs, and vegetables, and is commonly served with steamed rice, often topped with a fried egg.

Pad Kra Pao is highly versatile, with a wide variety of ingredients that can be used. Popular choices include chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, squid, fish, mussels, and crab meat, while vegetables such as yardlong beans, baby corn, and onions are sometimes added for extra texture and flavor. Its global popularity was confirmed in 2023 when TasteAtlas, a world-class food website, ranked Stir-fried basil as the number one dish in the “Best Stir-fries in the World” category. This recognition highlights Pad Kra Pao as a simple yet powerful symbol of Thai cuisine, loved both at home and around the world.