Today, I revisited the Food Place food court, located at Pavilion Mall. The food court is located beside the Oriental Kopi Restaurant.
This time I ordered stir-fried beef with holy basil on rice from the Siam Taste stall, which cost RM17.90 per plate.
The dish features finely minced beef stir-fried with Thai seasonings and holy basil, served with fragrant jasmine rice, crisp salad, and a light, clear soup. What sets this version apart is the deep-fried holy basil, added generously on top. The basil is fried until crisp, creating a unique texture that feels like seaweed, adding both crunch and an aromatic lift to the dish.
The beef is cooked with a savoury blend of soy sauce, garlic, and chillies, delivering bold flavour. The jasmine rice acts as a neutral canvas, perfect for mixing everything together, which is my preferred way of eating it. With every bite, the flavor swings between salty richness and mellow plainness, giving you a layered and satisfying experience. The accompanying salad provides a fresh contrast, and the soup refreshes the palate between bites.
This dish, known as Pad Kra Pao, is a cornerstone of Thai street food. Originating from humble kitchens, it gained popularity for its quick preparation and intense flavours. Holy basil (ใบกะเพรา), a sacred herb in Thai culture, gives the dish its name and distinct aroma. The fried version, like the one in this meal, is a modern twist, adding texture while preserving the herb's essence.
Often found in local eateries across Thailand, Pad Kra Pao is considered a "go-to" meal: comforting, filling, and deeply satisfying. Beef versions like this one are especially popular with those craving a heartier option.
