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Thai basil tastes of aniseed, holy basil is peppery and clove-like, and Italian sweet basil is soft and sweet, so they are not interchangeable in every dish. Thai basil has purple stems and sturdy leaves that hold up to heat, while holy basil leaves are smaller, slightly serrated and a little fuzzy.
The three compared
| Type | Flavour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thai sweet basil | Aniseed, liquorice | Green curry, pho, stir-fries |
| Holy basil | Peppery, clove-like | Pad kra pao, spicy stir-fries |
| Italian sweet basil | Soft, sweet | A last-resort substitute |
Which to use
- Thai basil for green curry, pho and Thai basil fried rice.
- Holy basil for the classic pad kra pao, where its peppery heat is the point of the dish. Thai sweet basil still gives a good dish, just a milder one.
- Italian basil only as a last-resort swap, added at the very end. Use a little extra and expect a sweeter, softer flavour with no aniseed note.
Which to buy in the UK
Thai sweet basil is far easier to find here and suits most Thai curries and stir-fries. Holy basil is worth hunting down at an Asian grocer if you are cooking pad kra pao properly.
- Look for purple stems and flower buds on Thai sweet basil.
- Holy basil leaves are smaller, slightly serrated and hairy.
- Avoid bunches with black, wilted or slimy leaves, since basil bruises quickly.
- Thai basil bruises in transit, so a slightly rough-looking bunch is common. Smell is a better check than appearance alone.
Where to buy Thai basil in the UK
Thai basil is stocked in some large UK supermarkets in the fresh herbs section, while holy basil is usually only found in Thai grocers.
Which aisle is Thai basil in?
Thai basil sits with the fresh herbs, often in small packs next to coriander and mint. Holy basil is rarely stocked by mainstream supermarkets.
Asian supermarkets
A Thai or Vietnamese grocer sells big, cheap bunches, far better value than supermarket packs.
Buying it online
Seeds are easy to buy online, and Thai basil grows well on a warm, sunny windowsill.
Checking a bunch before buying
Look for firm leaves without dark, slimy patches, Thai basil bruises easily so a slightly rough appearance is normal, but a strong, fresh aniseed smell is the best sign of quality regardless of how it looks.
Storing it, and using up a big bunch
Stand the stems in a glass of water at room temperature, loosely covered, rather than in the fridge, which turns the leaves black. Use within a few days for the best flavour. Asian grocer bunches are often larger and cheaper than supermarket packs, so if you end up with more than you can use, chop the leaves and freeze them in oil in an ice cube tray.
Growing your own
Thai basil and holy basil both grow from seed on a warm, sunny windowsill in the UK, which is a practical option if fresh bunches are hard to find locally. Both need more warmth than European sweet basil to do well.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thai basil the same as holy basil?
No. They are different plants with different flavours, though both are used in Thai cooking.
Can I use Italian basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but add a little extra and expect a sweeter, softer flavour without the aniseed note.
Why does my Thai basil turn black?
Basil bruises easily and dislikes cold. Keep it in water at room temperature and add it at the end of cooking.
Can I freeze Thai basil?
The leaves blacken when frozen, so freeze them chopped in oil in an ice cube tray for cooking.
Shop this
- Thai basil seeds. Grow your own Thai basil on a sunny windowsill.
