My wife is obsessed with Kapow Nua, Kapow Guy, Kapow Khung. Well actually it's just the Kapow she loves. The supply of Kapow here in Toronto is very limited. Now we are moving to an even smaller city called Stoney Creek and she's freaking out!

She is desperate to get her hands on Kapow seeds. Are these easy to get in Bangkok?

I will gladly pay someone who is willing to send me some seeds. Better yet I will bring or send you something you need from the US or Canada that you can't get in Thailand.

My Kingdon for some Kapow seeds.

Any takers over there who are craving something they can find.

Regards,

Tony

You should be able to buy "Holy Basil" seeds? Plenty of sources in the U.S. anyway. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find them in Canada.

Just go to Humber nusery, north of Toronto they have the seeds and live plants. Also in Little India along Dundas East you can get many types of holy basil seeds, I find them a bit stronger and they seem to wilt after you pick them.

You can also get them at TnT in the spring, they sell all the Asian seeds, but be quick they sell out quickly.

It's basil, holy or sweet, I could buy that in any store that caters to Chinese or Indians in Manchester or Liverpool.

Don't Panic.

I love Kapow Gai but have to admit for a while I thought the "Kapow' meant it had a spicy punch. Kind of like the old batman series that would show a balloon type 'Kaaapoww!!!" when somebody got hit. I then learned it was the green leaf but now, as I am understanding it from this thread, it is simply basil. Is that correct?

Obviously I'm not much of a chef or experimenter with my eating habits because I don't ever remember seeing a basil leaf before. I only knew it as a chopped seasoning .

To the OP: How is your wife with North American rice? I know a number of Thais who dislike it and have to buy the Thai Rice.

Wow. Thanks so much guys. I really appreciate how you've solved my problem. She's going to be very happy.

As for the rice question ..... we only eat Thai rice. We shop at Asian stores but even in our local Walmert they sell Thai rice. If a place sells 5 brands of rice, generally 3 of them will originate in Thailand. We get Rose, Ox and Rooster at almost every store. LoL.

I don't know if that is actually the brand but that's what's one the bag. I think I got that right.

Thanks again for all your help folks.

Tony

When I was back in the US the Costco even had Thai rice. it is much better IMO.

Be aware that the holy basil plants will have to come inside for the winter as they will die rather quickly in the cold Canadian winters!

Regarding your rice comment, I agree the majority of quality rice comes from Thailand-next time you are in Toronto check out TnT http://www.tnt-supermarket.com/big5/index.php they are now owned by Loblaws but in my opinion have the greatest selection of Asian food, albeit mostly catering to the local Chinese shoppers. But lots and lots of yummy Thai spices and herbs.

In terms of the rice I don't know why some seem to take 4-5 washings to remove the starch. Not really being a rice person I asked a Thai how to prepare rice once I know it sounds silly but, I follow her instructions to a tee and now actually like rice. Rinse 3-4-5 times until the water is clear, soak the rice for 30 minutes in cold water, remove the water and cover with 2 cm of water above the rice, now put it on high on the stove covered and let it come to the boil, as soon as it does turn the heat to minimum and leave it for 12 minutes, shut it off and let stand for 5 minutes.

It is work and not like the instant rice my Mum made hehehe