Krapow · Spicy Basil

Where it comes from

Pad kaphrao emerged in the 1920s and 30s as Chinese wok technique met bai kaphrao — the peppery, clove-scented holy basil Thais have grown for centuries — and after the 1950s it swept the nation. Today it is the unofficial national lunch, so universal that krapow is the standing answer to the question 'what should I eat?' Screaming wok, chili, garlic, holy basil, rice. Add the crispy fried egg; everyone does.