Do you like your Pad Kaprao with holy basil or long beans?

Just as there are different ways to enjoy this popular Thai dish, various flavors are also being cooked up in the fun, new Thai series “This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans”.

For those unfamiliar with Pad Kaprao, it is a popular Thai dish that some believe traditionally comprises meat, holy basil leaves, chili, and fish sauce. However, there has been some controversy over these ingredients as others prefer to make their Pad Kaprao with chopped long beans, baby corn, and mushrooms.

In “This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans”, restauranter and well-known chef Oab (Sailub Hemmawich Kwanamphaiphan) prefers to do things traditionally, not just when it comes to his Pad Kaprao but his life. He is the ultimate perfectionist. He operates his restaurant strictly and has no tolerance for foolishness or unprofessionalism. However, his rigid world is turned upside down when struggling model, influencer, and all-around cutie, Plawan (Pon Thanapon Aiemkumchai) enters his cooking competition to become his successor.

“Why do people these days only judge others by their appearance?” This is a question Plawan asks himself after he’s rejected from a modeling job for not having chiseled abs. It’s a sentiment that reminds me of the age-old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Appearances can be deceiving, often masking the depth and complexity beneath the surface, a theme at the forefront of “This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans”.

Take Oab, for instance. At first glance, he seems cold-hearted and strict. However, beneath that stern exterior is someone who cares deeply about those around him. His restaurant, known for its Pad Kaprao made exclusively with holy basil, was born out of love for his then-girlfriend, who was allergic to long beans. After finding out about his mentor’s (who also happens to be the father of his ex-girlfriend) illness and mounting hospital bills, Oab makes the difficult decision to close his beloved restaurant to help cover the costs.

Likewise, Plawan may come across as silly, unfocused, and money-hungry. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find someone brimming with passion and grit. Determined to prove his worth, he fights tooth and nail to enter Chef Oab’s cooking competition, refusing to be discouraged by negative comments and rejections. Plawan is resilient, creative, and talented at analyzing and critiquing the flavors and ingredients in Pad Kaprao dishes, showcasing his authentic and unique self.

The first two episodes of “This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans” are a delightful blend of humor, charm, and captivating storytelling. The dynamic between Oab and Plawan is entertaining and intriguing, setting the stage for an exciting series. It will be fun to watch the two characters navigate their differences and hopefully come to understand their similarities.

It will also be interesting to see how Plawan manages to be a spy for Oab’s fierce enemy, Metas. How Oab will react when he inevitably discovers this betrayal adds an exciting layer of suspense and drama to their evolving relationship.

As I reflect on episodes one and two of this series, one burning question lingers: Is Pad Kaprao truly better with or without long beans?

Catch new episodes of “This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans” every Friday on IQIYI.

Rating: 4 out of 5