Can "Regular" Basil be used in Thai Cooking?

If you are asking this question, you're most likely contemplating the cooking of Thai food at home and noticed that Thai basil is quite hard to find. If you are, good for you! Cooking Thai food is not only exciting and delicious, but it's also quite healthful. So, are all basils created equal or more specifically, can regular basil be used instead of Thai basil?

Yes, and no. But first, let's define the two major basils that will be discussed in this article. The common, "regular" basil is actually called sweet basil and is commonly used in European and American cooking (think Italian food). It has hints of licorice, tarragon, is somewhat sweet and is very easy to find in any grocery store.

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The World of Southern Thailand

Photo source: Wikipedia.com

Mention an area in the southern region of Thailand, and visions of sandy beaches, and crystal blue water quickly come to mind (think Phuket). While these images are spot on for the coastal portions in southern Thailand, there is an entire area of land jutting from the country that reaches down and connects with Malaysia. This land is so vastly different in climate, landscape and culture than any other region in Thailand, it is truly exotic.

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Fertile Plains and a Spicy City!

Photo source: tripadvisor.com

Last month, we began a blog journey into the different regions of Thailand from the mountainous North, to the sandy beaches of the South. This month our exploration into the different regions of Thailand continues with a focus on the central plains region and the bright lights of Bangkok.

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Exploring Northern Thailand

Over the last few months, we have explored the wonders and beauty featured in Thailand’s culture and food. Now, we’ve decided to feature a region of Thailand and allow you, the reader, to experience some dishes native to that region offered throughout the month at Ka-Prow Bistro.

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