There are two different types of basil that are used often in Thai cooking. They look so much alike, and even Thais can get confused, but they shouldn't get mixed up. Their aromas and flavors are totally different. One really can't be substituted for the other or it would be like making a completely different dish (although I'm sure it would still be yummy :) ). Here I will show you how to tell the difference between them. Thai Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) The dull green leaves of Thai holy basil have curly edges, and the stalks of the herb are also green. Sometimes you may find red or white holy basil, but they are not easy to find. The difference between them is color and how strong their scent is, but all types of holy basil have a similar taste. It's very hard to find this outside of Thailand. If you have no clue where to get it, I suggest planting some in your garden! It's easy to take care of, and it grows so fast. You can also use dried holy
Pinky's Thai Kitchen
A blog all about Thai homestyle cooking direct from Bangkok