What's the difference between Pad Kra Pao and Pad Horapa?

Pad Kra Pao uses holy basil (spicier, peppery), while Pad Horapa uses sweet Thai basil — both are stir-fries but have distinct flavour profiles.

Can I get a vegetarian version?

Yes — ask for 'jay' or request it with tofu and soy sauce instead of meat and fish sauce.

stir fry

Pad Kra Pao

ผัดกระเพรา

Medium

Pad Kra Pao — stir-fried meat with holy basil — is the dish Thais eat for a quick, satisfying lunch. Fiery, fragrant, and always served over rice with a fried egg on top, it's the ultimate Thai comfort food.

Key Ingredients

minced pork or chicken
holy basil
bird's eye chilli
oyster sauce
fish sauce

Where to Try It

Any Thai rice-and-curry shop (khao rad gaeng) — it's the most commonly ordered dish at lunch counters across the country.

Tips

Always order it 'kai dao' — with a fried egg — this is the standard way to eat it.
Holy basil (kra pao) is different from Thai basil — the dish loses character without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

stir fry

Pad Kra Pao

ผัดกระเพรา

Medium

Key Ingredients

minced pork or chicken
holy basil
bird's eye chilli
oyster sauce
fish sauce

Where to Try It

Any Thai rice-and-curry shop (khao rad gaeng) — it's the most commonly ordered dish at lunch counters across the country.

Tips

Always order it 'kai dao' — with a fried egg — this is the standard way to eat it.
Holy basil (kra pao) is different from Thai basil — the dish loses character without it.