This is the original and most popular version of pad krapow. Minced pork is cooked quickly over high heat with fresh holy basil (which releases aromatic oils), crushed garlic (providing pungency and depth), and Thai chilies (for heat). The dish is finished with a fried egg served on top of the rice. The combination is simple but balanced — the egg yolk adds richness, the basil brings brightness, and the chili provides sustained heat. Multiple reviews note Holy Krapow's version is superior to most Bangkok street vendors.
Tips from diners
Order 'mild' if you're heat-sensitive — 'Thai style' (the hottest) is genuinely very spicy, even for seasoned chili eaters.
Mix the fried egg yolk into the meat and rice — it adds fat and richness that balances the heat.
Holy Krapow treats the vegetarian option with the same respect as meat versions. Fresh mushrooms (likely a mix of varieties) are stir-fried until slightly tender while retaining texture. They absorb the basil, garlic, and chili flavors deeply. The result is satisfying and umami-forward, proving you don't need meat for pad krapow to work. Vegetarian reviewers consistently praise this version as genuine, not as an afterthought.
Tips from diners
The mushroom version is the most affordable and the lightest — perfect if you're eating pad krapow multiple times in one visit.
Holy Krapow offers flexibility with spice. 'Mild' uses less chili but still delivers basil and garlic character. 'Hot' is the medium level — noticeable heat sustained through eating. 'Thai' is the authentic intensity — what you'd encounter on Bangkok's streets — and genuinely serious heat that builds as you eat. Reviewers note that 'Thai strength is super spicy' and recommend mild or hot for casual diners.
Tips from diners
Ask the staff for a recommendation based on your heat tolerance. They're honest about 'Thai style' and happy to suggest alternatives.
Chicken pad krapow offers a lighter alternative to pork. Ground chicken is cooked with the same technique and aromatics, but the final dish feels less heavy. The meat absorbs the basil and chili flavors cleanly. Reviewers note that because chicken is leaner, you can taste the basil more distinctly. This version appeals to those seeking the full pad krapow experience without the richness of pork.
Tips from diners
Chicken cooks faster than pork and can dry out — ask for yours slightly rare if the queue is short.
Beef pad krapow is the most indulgent option. Ground beef cooks quickly and holds more umami than chicken or pork. The holy basil and chili are positioned to cut through the meat's richness, creating a balanced final plate. Reviewers note the beef version has a 'meatier' character — appropriate if you're seeking maximum satisfaction.
Tips from diners
The beef version is the most expensive but delivers the most flavor depth — worth the extra 10 DKK for a special lunch.
Holy Krapow is the vision of Sofie Lisby, a former food writer who decided to do one thing remarkably well: pad krapow (Thai holy basil stir-fry). The restaurant appears seasonally at Reffen, Copenhagen's street food market in Refshaleøen, during warmer months. The menu is purposefully minimal — just pad krapow in four versions (pork, chicken, beef, or mushroom), each stir-fried with Thai holy basil, garlic, and chili, served with jasmine rice and a fried egg. The cooking is straightforward but precise. Rasmus Munk, chef-owner of The Alchemist (also at Reffen), publicly endorses Holy Krapow as a favorite spot.
Pad krapow at 85-105 DKK is one of the best values in Copenhagen for authentic Thai food. Three bowls (different proteins) cost about 300 DKK total.
Pad krapow is one of the most popular street dishes in Thailand — Holy Krapow's approach (excellent ingredients, proper technique, minimal menu) is the right way to serve it.
Holy Krapow operates seasonally at Reffen, typically May-September. Check Reffen's website or Instagram for exact opening dates and hours.
Reffen is an outdoor street food market — order at the Holy Krapow stall, find a communal table, and eat. It's casual and lively, especially on weekends.
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