Getting through the pad nam prik pao (called “spicy stir fry” on the menu) at Thai Nivas Cafe is a fiery fantasia of Thai chili, sweat and, in some cases, tears – especially if you order it at a level 5 like we do. Aromatic basil swims alongside perfectly cooked peppers, onions, carrots and a protein (we prefer the superb tofu). Pro tip: Tack on an order of basil fried rice. If you’re going hard in the spice zone, you might need more than the stir fry’s side of white rice.
This article appears in October 2020.