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Basil n’ Spice Basil n’ Chili

Basil n' Chili from Basil n' Spice on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Basil n' Chili from Basil n' Spice on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Basil n’ Spice has an unassuming entrance at the back of a parking lot. From the outside, I was skeptical of the interior, but the ample parking thrilled me enough to suggest there would be something good behind that door.

The rooms are cleaner and more sophisticated than I expected. Inside, there is a simple, yet elegant, bar area with a few high-top chairs and two dining areas separated by a red pergola.

I decided to branch out beyond Pad Thai. I went back and forth for longer than I care to admit before boldly selecting a dish with a red chili pepper next to the title: Basil n’ Chili.

The protein options include chicken, beef, tofu, shrimp, duck, and a seafood combo. I went with shrimp and jasmine rice.

The dish arrived on an oblong platter with red and green bell peppers, onion, carrot, broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, scallions and basil leaves with a very light sauce. The jasmine rice came on the side.

I added some rice and took my first bite.

The bottom of the menu indicated that one chili means ‘mild’. I am not so new to Thai food so I assumed mild meant medium. I was correct. Once I swallowed, the heat came. The spice was bold, but it was not overwhelming. I mixed in all the rice and drank at least eight glasses of water, but the heat brought all the flavors together in a great way.

The waiters were friendly, pleasant, and eager to serve. Whenever my water dropped below the last quarter of the glass, a server refilled it.

I would highly recommend Basil n’ Spice for dinner any day of the week. The place is a bit small and a lot of glassware is used so I’m not sure it would be a great choice for a family with small kids. Then again, it depends on how well behaved your kids are.

I will return to Basil n’ Spice to try their Pad Thai with my husband or a group of friends.