Thai basil is the name for several herbs – here is how to use them

Many Asian dishes require adding Thai basil. Replacing the herb with European basil isn't a good idea. — Photo: Bernd Diekjobst/dpa

If your recipe calls for Thai basil, you may be tempted to skip it and use something else instead.

Try not to - it is worth using Thai basil even if it is not always easy to get hold of where you live.