Baan Hongnual Cookery School

Herbs and spices used in Thai Cooking

There are 27 main herbs and spices which form the basis for Thai cooking, and give that special Thai flavour.

HORAPA, Sweet basil

It is an attractive plant with deep green leaves and often reddish stems.
It has a taste reminiscent of anise.

GA-PROW, Sweet basil

Ga-prow is different from horapa, in that the aroma and flavor is released only when cooked.
It is used in fish, beef and chicken dishes.

MAENGLAK, Sweet basil

It is a bright light green plant with a tangy taste.

SARANAE, Mint

Very similar to mint used in mint sauces in England.
It is used in Thai cooking as a vegetable and for flavoring.

PRIK-THAI, Pepper

There are black, white, and green pepper-corn varieties.
The black variety is milder and more aromatic than the white variety, while the green pepper-corn has a special taste of its own.They are used as flavoring.

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