Basil Police - Authentic Thai Restaurant Investigations

This is it ...

the very beginning of my little adventure, scouring the UK for THE most authentic Thai Holy Basil (กะเพรา) and Pork Stir Fry, Pad Krapow Moo.

Nothing will ever come close, for me, to the taste sensations of this dish. By all means have a look at how I cook mine, with my holy basil pork stir fry recipe.

But it's Friday evening, meeting the gang later at the club, where can you go to treat yourself to the most authentic Thai Holy Basil Stir Fry? Difficult, as many Thai restaurants are being supplied Italian basil, as there are very slight similarities.

ENTER THE BASIL POLICE!

THE INVESTIGATIONS START HERE: But, I hear you asking, how will I be investigating these restaurants? Check the Basil Police Page.

Buckinghamshire - Milton Keynes

11th November 2023 - Lunch - Dine in

Tuk Tuk Thai
59 Aylesbury Street
Fenny Stratford
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK2 2BH
01908 785656
www.tuktukthai.restaurant

POINTS AWARDED: Lunchtime deal, £13.95 a head inc. a Beer Chang

• Holy Basil Leaves Used = 0
• Aromatic authentic sauce scale of 0 to 5 = 3
• Minced Pork not sliced = 0
• Fried Egg included 0 to 2 points = 0
  one point for being included another point for it being crispy and runny
• Fresh Green Pepper Corns used = 0
• Scoville level as expected = 0
• Warm Thai Welcome = 0.5
• Mood and Ambiance of restaurant = 0.5
• Beer Chang or Singha available and ice cold = 0.5
• Fruit and Veg carved plate decorations = 0.5
• Authentically dressed waitresses/waiters = 0
• Calming Thai music = 0

TOTAL SCORE: 10/17

17th November 2023 - Takeaway Dinner

Pin Petch Thai
13 High St.
Newport Pagnell
Bucks
MK16 8AR
01908 211211
pinpetchthairestaurant.co.uk

POINTS AWARDED: Evening dinner delivered, £27.00 PKM £11.95

• Holy Basil Leaves Used = 0.5*
• Aromatic authentic sauce, scale of 0 to 5 = 4
• Minced Pork not sliced = 1
• Fried Egg included = 0
• Scoville level as expected = 1
• Fresh green peppercorns used = 0
• Warm Thai Welcome = N/A
• Mood and Ambiance of restaurant = N/A
• Beer Chang or Singha available and ice cold = N/A
• Fruit and Veg carved plate decorations = N/A
• Authentically dressed waitresses/waiters = N/A
• Calming Thai music = N/A

    TOTAL TAKEAWAY SCORE: 6.5/10

*There was a hint of Holy Basil when I opened the takeaway carton and whilst eating. There where basil leaves in the sauce, some where normal basil, some where Thai Sweet Basil, and maybe one or two where Holy Basil. I suspect a Holy Basil premade paste might of been used, a very tasty dish, but not enough HB leaves for a full point I'm afraid.

Future Targets in my scope ...

Thai Modern - Milton Keynes City Center

Royal Thai - Stony Stratford

Blue Orchid - Aspley Guise
Pin Petch Thai - Newport Pagnell - Full dine in review