basil (Asian, holy, sweet) Asian basil, sometimes called Thai basil (bai horapha in Thai), is now widely available, sold in bunches, in Asian and specialty groceries. It is a tropical variety of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), with pointed dark green leaves and a strong sharp anise aroma and taste. It is widely used in Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese cuisine, raw in salads or added to soups at the last moment. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), known as bai gaprow in Thai, is sometimes available in Thai groceries. It has narrower leaves than Asian basil, and the leaves are sometimes tinged with purple. If you crush it or bite it, youโll get little taste, for holy basil must be cooked to release its distinctive flavor. See the recipe for Tofu Fried with Basil. There are many varieties of sweet (Italian) basil available in grocery stores, for Italian and other dishes. They can be substituted for Asian basil, though the taste is not quite as sharp.
