Pad Krapow with Braised Duck by Pa Jad Ban Rakas: Lightly Fried First to Keep Texture, Frying the Holy Basil First for Fragrance, Delicious and Tempting

Pad Krapow with Braised Duck by Pa Jad Ban Rakas, Samut Prakan: A Signature Recipe Praised by Locals

When talking about delicious food in Ban Rakas area, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province, I, mr.hotsia, must highlight “Pad Krapow with Braised Duck by Pa Jad” as one of the must-try dishes. Imagine the aroma of holy basil leaves carefully fried first, mixed with tender braised duck stewed perfectly with spices. The special technique that makes this dish stand out is frying the holy basil leaves before stir-frying with the braised duck, keeping the basil crispy and fragrant, unlike many other places where it becomes soggy.

I had the chance to visit Ban Rakas, not far from the 150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Market (read the story about the old market at150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Market). This is an old community along Samrong Canal, the main waterway of Bang Bo and Samut Prakan. Locals still live simply, closely connected to the water and culture passed down for centuries.

Special Technique from Pa Jad: Frying Holy Basil Leaves First for Aroma and Crispiness

Pa Jad told me that the secret to her Pad Krapow with Braised Duck is frying the holy basil leaves before the actual stir-fry. This is because if the basil is added together with the duck, it will get soggy and lose its flavor due to water and oil. Frying the basil first brings out its full aroma and keeps it crispy, adding a delightful texture when eating.

As for the braised duck, Pa Jad chooses duck stewed until tender and fragrant with braising spices but not overcooked. Every bite is full of bold yet balanced flavors. Importantly, the dish is not greasy like typical city-style Pad Krapow, perfectly blending the heat of chili and the fragrance of holy basil.

Ban Rakas: The Charm of Riverside Life and Fresh Ingredients

After enjoying the Pad Krapow with Braised Duck, I walked around Ban Rakas and saw the lifestyle of locals along Samrong Canal who remain connected to nature and water as in the past. Old wooden houses still line the canal, and people use small boats to travel and visit each other on the water — a scene I will never forget.

This area is also famous for Bang Bo's Pla Salid fish farming, known nationwide (read about Bang Bo Pla Salid atBang Bo Pla Salid). The fish here are plump and meaty because the brackish water in the canal supports the growth of red plankton, the favorite food of Pla Salid. Locals thus have fresh natural ingredients nearby to cook wonderful dishes.

Memories and Commitment of mr.hotsia with Pad Krapow with Braised Duck

I, mr.hotsia, am a native of Bang Bo. I remember learning to pound chili for Pad Krapow from my father, who added kaffir lime peel and Thai herbs to the stir-fry paste to enhance the flavor dimension. This style is hard to find in big cities. That’s why I decided to open Spicy Holy Basil Sauce shop, focusing on authentic taste and clear spiciness.

Pa Jad’s Pad Krapow with Braised Duck is not just a dish but a blend of local wisdom and the cook’s passion to preserve authentic flavors as much as possible. For anyone wanting to try holy basil fried first for fragrance and tender braised duck like this, don’t miss visiting Ban Rakas, Bang Bo, Samut Prakan.

Additional Recommendations for Foodie Travelers

Besides Pad Krapow with Braised Duck in Ban Rakas, around Bang Bo there are also very interesting traditional old markets such as150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Marketwhich still preserves the atmosphere of an ancient riverside market. I, mr.hotsia, recommend taking a stroll through this old market before or after your meal to truly experience the lifestyle and culture that remain part of Samut Prakan.

For those who love bold holy basil flavors, I haveSpicy Holy Basil Saucea special recipe developed from my travels across Thailand. You can easily stir-fry it at home while keeping the authentic flavor I love. Next time you visit Samut Prakan, don’t forget to try Pa Jad’s Pad Krapow with Braised Duck and experience the Ban Rakas way of life.