Thai Basil in Vietnam: How It’s Grown, Health Benefits, and Culinary Uses
Thai basil is a favorite aromatic herb in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its distinctive flavor and fragrance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Thai basil in Vietnam—its characteristics, how local farmers grow it, its potential health benefits, and how it’s used in popular Vietnamese dishes.
What is Thai basil?
Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) is a herb native to Southeast Asia and part of the mint family (Lamiaceae). In Vietnam, it’s called hung que and is commonly grown in home gardens throughout the country. With its anise-like scent and subtle hints of licorice, Thai basil stands out among other Vietnamese herbs, not just for its flavor, but for its aroma as well. This unique taste makes it a beloved addition to a variety of Vietnamese dishes, especially pho, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup.
Characteristics of Thai basil
1. Thai basil seeds
Description: Small, dark seeds approximately 1–2 mm in length, typically found in seed pods formed after the plant flowers. Each pod contains four seeds nestled tightly inside.Use: In Vietnam, Thai basil seeds are sown directly into loose garden soil during the warm season.
A close-up view of Thai basil seed pods, with mature black seeds visible inside
Thai basil seeds ready for planting
2. Thai basil stems
Description: Purple-tinted, sturdy stems that become woody at the base with age. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem. Mature Thai basil plants typically reach 30 to 50 cm (12–20 inches) in height.Use: Young, tender stems can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often pinched off with fingers or trimmed using a small knife for continuous harvest. Besides growing from seeds, Thai basil can also be propagated using stem cuttings.
The Thai basil stem displays its typical deep purple color
As Thai basil ages, its lower stem becomes woody
3. Thai basil leaves
Description: Medium-green, glossy leaves that are oval-shaped with a slightly serrated edge. The leaves have a distinctive aroma with sweet, anise-like, and mildly spicy notes.Use: Commonly served with pho or as part of a fresh herb platter (rau song)—a mix of herbs such as Thai basil, perilla, fish mint, and lettuce—typically enjoyed alongside dishes like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), bun bo (beef noodle soup), and mi Quang (Quang noodles).
A close-up macro view of a Thai basil leaf grown in Vietnam
4. Thai basil flowers
Description: Long flower spikes with white petals tinged with soft purple and bright yellow stamens. After the Thai basil flowers fall, small seed pods begin to form where the blossoms once bloomed.
Flowering Thai basil plant with delicate blossoms
A Thai basil bush at a late growth stage in Vietnam.
Cultivating and harvesting Thai basil in Vietnam
1. Optimal growing conditions for Thai basil in Vietnam
Rows of Thai basil growing in a Vietnamese herb garden
Climate & temperature:
Thai basil thrives in a warm, tropical climate, ideally between 24°C and 30°C. Consistent warmth and humidity encourage healthy leaf and flower growth.
Sunlight requirements:
For robust growth, Thai basil requires at least 6 hours of full sunlight daily, which is common in Vietnamese gardens.
Tip: In very hot climates, plant Thai basil where it gets morning sun and light afternoon shade. This helps prevent heat stress and keeps the plant growing strong.
Soil preparation:
Thai basil prefers loose, fertile, and well-draining soils. Vietnamese farmers often enrich their garden beds with compost or organic manure to boost growth.
Thai basil plants growing in sandy loam soil in a Vietnamese garden
2. How Thai basil is grown by Vietnamese farmers
In Vietnam, Thai basil is typically grown from seed. Farmers begin by sowing basil seeds directly into loose, well-drained soil. Within about three days, the seeds germinate, sprouting into tiny green shoots. After roughly two weeks, the young plants grow to around 15 cm (6 inches) tall. At this stage, they are densely packed together and need more space to thrive.
Young Thai basil plants at 15 days old, grown from seed in a Vietnamese herb garden
So, farmers carefully dig up each seedling and transplant them into new rows with about 20 cm (8 inches) of spacing between each plant. This gives the basil room to grow strong and bushy.
Young Thai basil plants freshly transplanted into their new garden rows
Around 40 days after sowing, the basil is ready for its first harvest. Farmers use small knives to trim the upper stems, leaving the lower part of the plant intact. This method allows the basil to continue growing and produce multiple harvests throughout the season.
With proper care, Thai basil plants in Vietnam can be harvested five to six times during a single growing season. Experienced farmers recommend regular watering, plenty of sunlight, and trimming just above the lower leaves to encourage regrowth.
A local farmer carefully harvests Thai basil leaves using a small knife
Freshly harvested Thai Basil leaves in a basket, ready to be sold at a local market in Vietnam
Health benefits of Thai basil
Naturally rich in antioxidants
Thai basil isn’t just a flavorful herb—it’s naturally rich in antioxidants like chicoric acid, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. According to recent research, these compounds may help protect your cells from oxidative stress, support immune health, and reduce inflammation, factors often linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer
Essential oils and traditional remedies
In Vietnam, people extract essential oil from Thai basil’s leaves, stems, and flowers. It’s used in perfumes, cosmetics, and to add flavor to food. The oil’s strong scent also helps repel mosquitoes. Some also use Thai basil in traditional remedies, like making tea to ease coughs.
In Vietnamese folk remedies, Thai basil is used to ease a cough. When symptoms appear, people pick 8 to 10 fresh leaves from the garden, boil them in 300–500ml of water for a few minutes, let it cool, and sip the liquid throughout the day.
Thai basil in Vietnamese cuisine
Thai basil in pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)
One of the most iconic ways Thai basil is used in Vietnam is with pho—the beloved noodle soup known for its rich, aromatic broth. When you sit down to enjoy a bowl of pho, it’s usually served with a plate of fresh herbs on the side, and Thai basil is always there. Just a few fresh leaves added on top release a fragrant, slightly spicy aroma that blends beautifully with the savory broth.
Thai basil in the fresh herb platter
In many Vietnamese meals, Thai basil is part of a fresh herb platter called rau song. Alongside perilla, lettuce, and fish mint, Thai basil adds a fresh, slightly spicy touch that makes each bite more flavorful.
Frequently asked questions about Thai basil
What is Thai basil in Vietnamese?
How long does it take to harvest Thai basil for the first time?
What climate is best for growing Thai basil?
Can you eat Thai basil stems?
Can Thai basil be grown from cuttings?
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