Did You Know? Most Pad Ka Prao Outside Thailand Isn't Actually Pad Ka Prao 🌿
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If you've ever ordered Pad Ka Prao outside Thailand and thought...
"Something tastes different."
You're probably right.
The reason might be hiding in plain sight.
Holy Basil and Thai Basil Are NOT the Same Thing
Many people assume basil is basil.
But in Thai cooking, two completely different herbs are often confused:
🌿 Holy Basil (กะเพรา)
🌿 Thai Basil (โหระพา)
While they may look similar, they create very different flavors.
The Herb That Gives Pad Ka Prao Its Name
The name Pad Ka Prao literally means:
"Stir-fried with holy basil."
Holy basil has a bold, peppery flavor with a slight natural spice. It's what gives authentic Pad Ka Prao its distinctive aroma and taste.
Without holy basil, the dish loses the flavor that made it famous.
Why Do Restaurants Substitute It?
Holy basil can be difficult to find outside Thailand.
As a result, many restaurants use Thai basil instead.
Thai basil is easier to source and has a sweeter flavor with hints of anise or licorice.
The dish may still be delicious—but it won't taste the same as the version most Thais grew up eating.
Here's a Quick Test
If your Pad Ka Prao tastes:
✅ Peppery
✅ Slightly spicy
✅ Bold and aromatic
There's a good chance it contains holy basil.
If it tastes:
✅ Sweet
✅ Mildly licorice-like
✅ Similar to basil used in curry dishes
It's probably made with Thai basil.
So... Is It Still Pad Ka Prao?
That's a debate that Thai people have been having for years.
Some say any version is fine.
Others argue that if it doesn't contain holy basil, it isn't truly Pad Ka Prao at all.
What do you think?
👇 Have you ever found authentic Pad Ka Prao outside Thailand?