Holy Basil Stir Fry with Crispy Pork and Thai-Waguy Beef by Kapaotair, Bangkok, Thailand

Kaprao, or Holy Basil Stir Fry (crispy pork and "Thai wagyu")

by Kapaotair, Bangkok, Thailand (MRT Ladphrao)

Kaprao, or Thai holy basil stir fry, is probably my favorite go-to Thai dish. While pad Thai, cashew chicken, or green curry might be more popular at Thai restaurants abroad, when it comes to what people actually eat in Thailand, kaprao definitely seems to be a favorite.

You can find kaprao at pretty much any local "made-to-order" restaurant in Thailand, and especially in Bangkok (where the dish is especially popular), but it's always fun when I come across a restaurant specifically dedicated to this spicy, flavorful dish.

I was excited to discover Kapaotair, a new restaurant which recently appeared inside the MRT Ladphrao Station's Gourmet Market supermarket, and which serves exclusively plates of delicious basil stir fry.

Thai holy basil stir fry with crispy pork belly and a fried egg on rice
Thai holy basil stir fry with crispy pork belly and a fried egg on rice
Kaprao is at its best when it is served with a runny-yolked fried egg atop a scoop of rice.

The first dish that I tried was kaprao moo krob, or crispy pork belly basil stir fry. The crispy pork was delicious, fatty and thick with an extremely crispy skin, and while the portion wasn't huge, it was satisfying.

I also ordered kaprao with Thai wagyu and a fried egg.

"Thai wagyu" is actually a misnomer as the word "wagyu" specifically refers to beef from Japan, however the popular wagyu which is enjoyed in Thailand comes from Japanese breeds of cattle.

I was impressed with the portion size of the finely minced beef as well as the amount of basil and chili included in the order. The flavor was fantastic - rich without being too oily with a strong beef taste.

kaprao with "Thai wagyu" by Kapaotair, Bangkok, Thailand
kaprao with "Thai wagyu" by Kapaotair, Bangkok, Thailand

Menu and Prices

The prices are reasonable for a more upscale kaprao restaurant, but can get pricy if, for example, you order the XL crispy pork and minced pork holy basil (220 baht).

Kapaotair menu and prices
Kapaotair menu and prices

More of my favorite kaprao restaurants in Bangkok

Location

Kapaotair is located at the Gourmet Market inside MRT Ladphrao Station.

Kapaotair at Gourmet Market, MRT Ladphrao, Bangkok, Thailand
Kapaotair at Gourmet Market, MRT Ladphrao, Bangkok, Thailand

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