Thai Fried Rice Varieties: Wok-Fired Perfection at Lemongrass

Pineapple Fried Rice: Tropical Indulgence

Our Pineapple Fried Rice is one of the most visually stunning and crowd-pleasing dishes at Lemongrass Seafood Bar & Grill. Served inside a hollowed-out pineapple half, this dish is a masterclass in the Thai culinary principle of balancing sweet, salty, sour, and savory flavors. The rice is wok-fired with curry powder, raisins, cashews, shrimp, and diced pineapple, creating a golden, aromatic creation that's simultaneously sweet and savory. Each bite offers a different texture — the crunch of cashews, the chewiness of rice, the sweetness of pineapple, and the tender bite of fresh shrimp. It's a complete meal that exemplifies the wok hei technique at its most creative, and a perennial favorite for families, couples, and first-time Thai diners alike.

Basil Fried Rice: Bold & Aromatic

For those who prefer bolder flavors, our Basil Fried Rice (Khao Pad Krapao) delivers an intensely aromatic, slightly spicy experience. Fresh holy basil is wok-fired with garlic, Thai chilies, bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein, then tossed with perfectly day-old jasmine rice that achieves the ideal texture for fried rice — each grain separate, slightly smoky, and beautifully coated. The holy basil releases its distinctive peppery, anise-like fragrance at the last moment of cooking, filling the air around your table with an intoxicating aroma. Our chili level is adjustable, but we recommend experiencing this dish with at least moderate heat to appreciate the full depth of flavors.

Crab Fried Rice: Ocean Luxury

Our Crab Fried Rice represents the beautiful intersection of Monterey Bay's finest seafood and Thai wok mastery. Fresh, sweet crabmeat is the star, gently folded into wok-fired jasmine rice with egg, scallions, and a delicate seasoning of fish sauce and white pepper that enhances the crab's natural sweetness without overwhelming it. This is a more refined, elegant fried rice — less about bold spice and more about showcasing the extraordinary quality of our locally sourced shellfish. It's a luxurious choice that demonstrates why Lemongrass is the premier seafood destination on the Monterey Bay coast.