The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is gearing up for a major celebration this month to promote the renowned Thai fast-food delicacy “pad kaphrao”.
The World Kaphrao Thailand Grand Prix 2023 is scheduled for August 25 to 27, starting from 3pm and lasting until 10pm.
It will take place near Bangkok’s Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, just a short distance from the Hua Lamphong railway station, announced TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn on Thursday.
Six regional culinary victors from across the country- North, Northeast, East, Central, South, and Bangkok – will compete in the Pad Kaphrao Thailand Championship, vying for a cumulative prize fund exceeding 1 million baht, he mentioned.
Participants will prepare the beef “pad kaphrao” following the “Authentic & Beyond” theme, utilizing domestic produce and ensuring a minimum of 50% local content reflective of their respective regions.
The head of TAT expressed that this culinary contest aligns with their initiative to stimulate gastronomic tourism, aiming to increase the influx of tourists to Thailand for the current year.
“This year we aim to turn Thailand into a destination for travellers and gourmets from around the world. Gastronomy tourism is a market with high potential, and it can help create added value and revenue for local communities,” Yuthasak remarked.
Kaphrao, alternatively spelled “kaprao”, is widely recognized as holy basil – a fragrant perennial herb indigenous to tropical locales, like Southeast Asia.
Yuthasak emphasized TAT’s choice of “pad kaphrao” to spearhead its gastronomic tourism drive, as it mirrors classic Thai gastronomy.
He also highlighted the therapeutic properties of holy basil, notably aiding digestion.
During the celebration, attendees will encounter 12 stalls showcasing international twists on “pad kaphrao”, complemented by over 20 booths featuring favourite street foods.
An exhibit dedicated to holy basil and regional herbs, coupled with entertainment acts, will also be featured.
Yuthasak highlighted the event as an ideal opportunity for culinary aficionados and tourists to savour a diverse range of this beloved Thai specialty at a singular venue.
He anticipates a turnout of approximately 15,000 attendees over the event’s three-day span, projecting revenues surpassing 35 million baht.
“The TAT hopes that ‘pad kaphrao’ will be better known and more acceptable among foreigners after other Thai dishes such as ‘panaeng’, ‘massaman’, ‘tom yam’, ‘pad thai’, ‘khao soi’, and ‘somtam’,” Yuthasak stated.
He disclosed that his organization is probing the global appeal of Thai dishes to determine the successor to “pad kaphrao” for their forthcoming gastronomy event.
