Thai basil noun

The anise-scented basil finished into green and red curries and pad kee mao.

Anise and liquorice over a peppery basil base; it does not wilt into sweetness the way Italian basil does.

Add a handful in the last thirty seconds of a stir-fry or curry, off the heat, so the aroma survives. Holy basil (kaphrao) is a different plant with a clove-like flavour and is not interchangeable.

One of three basils used in Thailand, alongside holy basil and lemon basil. It is grown everywhere from market gardens to balcony pots and is always used fresh.