Used heavily by the Vietnamese and Laotians as well, Thai Basilย (Horapha, เนเธซเธฃเธฐเธเธฒ) is the sweet, slightly licorice-tasting basil that is used to perfume and flavorย everything from curries and soups to salads and stir-frys. Purple stems and dark green leavesย are the telltale sign that youโre looking at Thai Basil.
The anise flavor, and leaves so sweetย you can eat them raw off the stem, is the flavor that will tell you your shopkeeper is selling theย real deal. On the other hand, Holy Basil (Bai Gaprow, เธเธฐเนเธเธฃเธฒ) is sometimes referred to as hot-ย basil or pepper-basil – and does not have the same inherent sweetness.
Recipes using Thai basil:
The flavor profile isย comprised of an essence of pepper and clove, which intensifies as it is cooked.
Fish sauceย and garlic (and bird chilis, of course) work well with the transcendent herbaceousness of Holyย Basil – so youโll see it used in drunken noodles and Pad Gaprow.
Ask a Thai person what theirย ultimate favorite basil is and 9 out of 10 times, theyโll say Bai Gaprow. And – oh yeah – it truly isย considered a holy herb, thought capable of doing all sorts of good things for your body beyondย just tasting great.
