Basil Café Menu – Appleton, WI

Type : Laotian restaurant

Location : Appleton, WI

Casual stop for Vietnamese & Thai comfort classics, plus appetizers & vegan options. Based on 768 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.7 stars. Price $$

✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout

Basil Café 54911

Address:
1513 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54911

Phone: (920) 830-6741

Website: http://www.facebook.com/basilcafepho

Social Profile:

Hours

Monday

(Labor Day)
 Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Menu

Basil Café Specials & Traditional Lao Entrées
Gai Tawt – Basil Nuggets
“Nuggets” of chicken thighs marinated in our house oyster sauce and lemongrass marinade, breaded and fried, and served with our house “Phet Phet” sauce either on top or on the side to dip. Topped with cilantro and green onions.		 $11.00
Basil Balls
Sticky Rice balls filled with Pork Floss and dipped in seasoned egg and Panko bread crumbs and fried | topped with our house “Phet Phet” Sauce, cilantro and green onions.		 $9.00
Chicken Gizzards, Lao Style
Chicken Gizzards marinated in Oyster Sauce and Lemongrass, breaded in our house breading mix and fried. Topped with Cilantro and Green Onions and served with a side of our “Phet Phet” sauce.		 $9.00
Laab Nahm Thok
Succulent, decadent, and tender CAB brisket sliced and marinated with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar; cooked, and tossed with our tamarind based Laab dressing; mixed with lime juice, ground roasted rice, chili flakes, cilantro, onions, green onions; served with a side of khao new-traditional sticky rice (regular white jasmine rice also available).		 $20.00
Nam Khao
“Lao Style Crispy Fried Rice” with shallots, green onions, and mixed with a pickled Lao sausage (non-sausage/vegan version available as well), freshly squeezed lime juice, and chopped cilantro; eaten like a lettuce wrap.		 $18.00
Sai Oua
Homemade “Lao Pork Sausage” stuffed with thick cut ground pork, shallots, lemongrass and fresh Thai chilies. Lightly fried and served with sticky rice, and “Jeow Mak Len,” a Lao style salsa/dipping sauce.		 $16.00
Sien Savanh
“Lao Heavenly Sweet Beef Jerky.” Thinly sliced CAB Eye of Round Steak, covered in sesame seeds, dried and then lightly fried for a crispy outside texture. Served with “Jeow Mak Len,” a Lao style salsa/dipping sauce, and sticky rice.		 $18.00
Pork Jerky
Thai style pork jerky, seasoned, sweetened, and dehydrated, and then lightly fried before serving. Served with a side choice of Jeow (Lao Salsa) Bong (Galangal based, and extremely spicy) or Mak Len (Roasted Tomato based, mild-medium spice), garnished with cilantro, and served with a side of sticky rice.		 $15.00
The “Toui” – Laab Nahm Thok “Burger”
Sticky Rice “buns” dipped in seasoned egg and Panko bread crumbs and fried | Laab Nahm Thok “burger”- Sliced brisket marinated in oyster sauce and brown sugar, cooked and tossed in our house Laab sauce (tamarind base) with ground roasted rice, onions, green onions, cilantro, mint, basil, chili flakes, and fresh squeezed lime juice.		 $15.00
Sticky Rice (GF)
A side of sticky rice (Thai medium to long grain sweet rice), steamed in a bamboo steamer.		 $3.00
Jeow Mak Len (GF)
A traditional Lao salsa/dipping sauce made from roasted tomatoes, garlic, fresh Thai chili peppers. Eaten with sticky rice.		 $3.00
Jeow Bong (GF)
A traditional Lao salsa/dipping sauce made from Galangal, fresh Thai chili peppers. Eaten with sticky rice.		 $3.00
Appetizers
Vietnamese Spring Rolls (GFR)
Rice vermicelli noodles, with chopped lettuce, carrots, mint, basil, bean sprouts, and a chive stem, freshly wrapped in a translucent rice paper. A choice of shrimp, chicken, tofu, or veggie. Served with a side of the house Hoisin-Peanut Sauce (contains gluten). Sweet Vinaigrette can be substituted for Gluten Intolerance. Add Avocado for an extra dollar!		 $2.00
Egg Rolls
An order of 4. Filled with freshly ground chicken breast, glass noodles, cabbage, carrots, & onions. Wrapped in a thin egg roll style wrapper (Non-Gluten Free). Served with a side of the house sweet and sour sauce.		 $7.00
Veggie Egg Rolls
An order of 4. Filled with glass noodles, cabbage, carrots, & onions. Wrapped in a thin egg roll style wrapper (Non-Gluten Free). Served with a side of the house sweet and sour sauce.		 $7.00
Crab Rangoon
An order of 4. Larger dumpling wrappers (Non-Gluten Free) filled with seasoned cream cheese, crab meat, and scallions, deep fried, and served with a side of the house sweet and sour sauce.		 $8.00
Crispy Calamari
Lightly breaded and deep-fried fresh calamari; served with a side of sweet chili sauce.		 $14.00
Chicken Wings
An order of 6 wings/drummettes, marinated in the house lemongrass-garlic seasoning, lightly breaded and deep-fried; served with a side of sweet chili sauce.		 $15.00
Crispy Quail
Two quails, halved (four pieces total), marinated in the house lemongrass-garlic seasoning and deep-fried; served with a side of sweet chili sauce.		 $13.00
Bánh Xéo (Vietnamese Crepe) (GF)
Savory Vietnamese Crepe filled with fresh shrimp, pork, scallions, & bean sprouts; served with a side of lettuce, mint, cilantro, basil, the house carrot-daikon relish, and the house sweet & tangy vinaigrette. Vegan version available as well.		 $18.00
Soups
Tom Yum Soup (GF)
Slightly spicy & tangy tamarind based broth with lemongrass, galangal (SE Asian blue-rooted ginger), Makrut leaves (leaves of the lime tree), mushrooms, and onions. Choice of chicken, shrimp, calamari, tofu, or mixed veggies.		 $6.00
Salads
Tum Mak Houng (Lao Papaya Salad) (Vegan Version Available) (GF)
Shredded green papaya, long green beans, and tomatoes; tossed in a mortar with a pestle in a light Lao spicy-tangy house dressing; served with rice vermicelli noodles, and shredded lettuce. Spiciness is adjustable on a “per pepper scale.”		 $15.00
Lao Laab Salad (GF)
Choice of minced chicken, or tofu mixed with chopped mint and basil, ground roasted rice, ground chili pepper, lime juice, in a traditional savory, slightly spicy and tangy light dressing. Served with a side of lettuce, cucumber, mint, and basil. Spiciness is adjustable.		 $16.00
Vermicelli Salad
Bun Nuong
Rice vermicelli noodles (served room temperature) topped with freshly shredded lettuce, carrots, chopped mint and basil, cucumbers, bean sprouts and roasted peanuts. Served with a choice of grilled chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu and a side of the house carrot-daikon relish and the house sweetened vinaigrette. Crispy egg rolls added to dish for two more dollars. (Only the tofu and shrimp can be made Gluten Free)		 $3.00
Noodle Soups
Phó (GFR)
Traditional Vietnamese rice noodle soup, slow boiled over hours, daily, before served. Comes with the requisite side of bean sprouts, basil leaves, jalapeño peppers, lime wedge, Sriracha sauce, and hoisin sauce (Non-GF). Choice of Beef, Chicken, or Seafood (fresh shrimp and fresh calamari). Beef and Seafood versions come with meatballs (Non-GF).		 $1.00
Vegan Phó (GFR)
100% Vegan based Phó broth (traditional Vietnamese rice noodle soup) made fresh with fresh vegetables and slow boiled before serving. Served with broccoli, mushrooms, and tofu; with the requisite side of bean sprouts, basil leaves, jalapeños, lime wedge, Sriracha sauce, and hoisin sauce (Non-GF).		 $15.00
Kow Boon (Chicken Curry Rice Noodle Soup) (GF)
Traditional Lao rice vermicelli noodle curry soup. Fall off the bone shredded style chicken breast in a slightly spicy coconut curry broth; topped with bamboo shoots, mint, and cilantro. Served additionally with bean sprouts, cilantro, mint leaves, and a lime wedge.		 $15.00
House Specialties
Spicy Basil (GF)
Four spicy Thai chili peppers sautéed with Thai basil, kaffir leaves, and onions, in the house’s spicy-garlic chili sauce. Choice of chicken, beef, pork, prawns, mussels (in the half shell), squid, fish (catfish), or seafood combination (prawns, mussels, and squid; no fish). (Fish is not GF). Spiciness level is adjustable.		 $17.00
Spicy Lemongrass (GF)
Four spicy Thai chili peppers sautéed with lemongrass, kaffir leaves, onions, and bell peppers in the house’s spicy-garlic chili sauce. Choice of chicken, beef, pork, prawns, mussels (in the half shell), squid, fish (catfish), or seafood combination (prawns, mussels, and squid; no fish). (Fish is not GF)		 $17.00
Basil’s Signature Tilapia
Two tilapia filets, lightly breaded and fried; topped with a choice of one of Basil’s signature sauces: Red Curry, Spicy Basil, or Spicy Lemongrass.		 $17.00
Salt & Pepper
Lightly breaded and fried squid, stir-fried with garlic, onions, jalapeños.		 $20.00
Red OR Green Curry (GF)
Sautéed chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp with bamboo shoots, long green beans, Lao eggplant, onions & basil in a red (red chili pepper) or green (green chili pepper) chili coconut curry sauce		 $17.00
Vegetables
Mixed Vegetables In House Peanut Sauce
Stir-fried mixed vegetables (Broccoli, Nappa Cabbage, Onions, Carrots, Cauliflower) in the house peanut sauce with a choice of just vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $13.00
Mixed Vegetables In House Garlic Sauce (GFR)
Stir-fried mixed vegetables (Broccoli, Nappa Cabbage, Onions, Carrots, Cauliflower) in the lighter house garlic sauce, with a choice of just vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp		 $13.00
Rice Dishes
Basil Fried Rice (GFR)
Stir-fried rice with egg, onions, and Thai basil in a light homemade garlic chili pepper oil; with a choice of mixed vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $14.00
Fried Rice (GFR)
Stir-fried rice with egg, onions; with a choice of mixed vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $14.00
Stir Fried Noodles
Pad Thai (GFR)
Stir-fried thin rice noodles in the house tamarind sauce, with eggs, bean sprouts, chives, and roasted peanuts; with a choice of mixed vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $15.00
Laad Na (GFR)
Lightly fried wide rice noodles, topped with mixed vegetables in the thicker house garlic sauce. Served with a choice of just vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $16.00
Pad See Eew (GFR)
Stir-fried wide and flat rice noodles with eggs and broccoli (Kai-Lan) in the light house soy sauce. Served with a choice of mixed vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $16.00
Pad Kee Mao (Spicy) (GFR)
Stir-fried wide and flat rice noodles with bell peppers, carrots, onions, and Thai basil in the house chili-garlic oil. With a choice of mixed vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $17.00
Thai Lo Mein
Stir-fried egg noodles with garlic, onions, and egg; served with a choice of mixed vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.		 $16.00
Mee Krob
Freshly fried crispy yellow egg noodles, topped with mixed vegetables stir-fried in the thicker house garlic sauce; served with a choice of just vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp		 $16.00
Dessert
Sticky Rice Mango (Or With Durian) (GF)
Short-grained, glutinous, sticky rice, in a sweetened coconut sauce, topped with fresh cut mangos and topped with a sweet and salty coconut drizzle.		 $7.00
Fried Banana (With Or Without Nutella)
Bananas wrapped in egg roll wrappers (Non-Gluten Free), deep fried, and topped with the house sweet and salty coconut cream and freshly roasted and ground sesame seeds.		 $7.00
Specialty Drinks
Boba Tea
Fresh fruit (non-powdered and freshly made) traditional creamy Vietnamese smoothies. Flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Avocado, Jack Fruit, Durian, Lychee, Pineapple, Kiwi, Coconut, Thai Coffee, Thai Tea, Mint, Nutella)		 $8.00
Vietnamese Coffee (Hot Or Cold)
Traditional slow dripped, mini-French press style, coffee. Dripped over sweetened condensed milk.		 $6.00
Fresh Sweet Young Coconut
Fresh sweet young coconut in the shell. We chop the top off for you to enjoy the delicious and sweet young coconut juice and the tender meat of the coconut as well.		 $6.00
Thai Iced Coffee
Traditional Olieng style iced Thai Coffee with cream.		 $3.00
Thai Iced Tea (With Cream Or Lime)
Traditional black (turns an orange hue) Thai, sweetened, iced tea. Traditionally served with cream, but can also be served with freshly squeezed lime juice.		 $5.00
Basil’s Coconut Infused Water
16oz of Basil Café’s infamous water infused with coconut essence.		 $2.00
Limeade
Fresh Squeezed Limeade		 $5.00
Iced Dok Anchan
Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea		 $4.00
Purple Rain
Limeade + Iced Dok Anchan		 $6.00
Fever Tree Ginger Ale Or Sparkling Pink Grapefruit $3.00

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Menu Photos

Photo Gallery

Reviews

Dani Marie
I didn’t really like it here. I got the mango boba tea and it tasted fishy. Like seriously, it tasted like fish every time I took a sip. I asked my sister if that is normal and she said no. I didn’t say anything about it because I wasn’t sure if it was seaweed or what. The food honestly wasn’t the greatest either. I got one of the vegetarian dishes (pictured) and was not impressed. The spring rolls were good but the flavor for the dish just wasn’t there. The friend that I went with has literally lived in Vietnam and said the food here was really not that good. The funny thing is, I have always heard good things about this place but I personally won’t return.

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Tony Knuppel
This place has improved over time. I was really impressed with the whole menu — I couldn’t decide what to order. When our server made some suggestions we were happy with everything. Definitely returning to try more dishes!

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Veronica Utschig
The atmosphere is super laid back and chill. The Vietnamese and Thai menu is delicious! The restaurant is very clean, and the staff makes you feel right at home. My favorite place to eat Thai food in the Fox Vaeyb

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Lacey Reichwald
Authentic Laotian, Vietnamese, and Thai in a colorful and warm atmosphere. The flavors are balanced and vibrant. And the cocktail program is inventive.

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Momma J On the Move
Absolutely love this place! The food is phenomenal and the portions are large so you can definitely have your choice for a couple of meals. The waitstaff is very friendly, prompt and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is very relaxed and inviting. I personally love the Pad Kee Mao with egg noodles instead of rice noodles with a spiciness level 3 out 4. I love that you can adjust the spiciness to your liking. Great food, great service! We will be back! Highly recommend this place but keep in mind they close every summer for 2 months…this year they close on June 30th and don’t open until September 9th. So if you have a craving go now!

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Nephalem G T
The staff is always so friendly and the food is so good it’s sinful. They have never once missed on any trip I’ve ever taken here.

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Tokyo Tim
My bride and I visited Basil on an extremely cold night. While my bride has dined here before, this was a first for me. To spare you the agony of reading further, let me just say I am currently craving another Basil meal the day following and that is something I rarely experience. Basil’s was exemplary.

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vaibhavi m
One of the best restaurants in the Fox Cities area! Amazing menu, nice staff+service, great cocktails. Vegetarian/vegan friendly. Parking available.

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grace raleigh
this is one of my favorite restaurants ever i love their basil fried rice. also their coconut water and mango sticky rice are both really good.

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Chloe Scott
Love love love Basil Cafe! The food is amazing – I’ve never had something I didn’t like. The coconut water does take some getting used to – but now I’m in love with it! The staff is fabulous, warm, and welcoming. Not to mention Basil’s commitment to celebrating the LGBTQ community is so awesome. Definitely one of my top restaurants in the Fox Valley!

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