Thai Basil is a fragrant, heat-loving perennial herb (grown as an annual in cooler regions) with narrow, pointed green leaves, purple stems, and mauve flower spikes. It has a distinctive sweet, spicy aroma with strong notes of anise and licorice, and its leaves are sturdier and more flavorful than common sweet basil. Thai basil retains its flavor well when cooked, making it ideal for stir-fries, curries, soups, and noodle dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Varieties: Queen of Siam, Siam Queen, and Horapha (common Thai variety).