Thai Basil Substitute

Regular Basil (Italian Basil)

Use the same amount as the thai basil you are replacing

Best for general cooking

Close match

The best Thai basil substitutes are Regular Basil (1:1), Thai Holy Basil (1:1), Mint (1:1), and Cilantro (1:1). For curry, use regular basil or mint. For pho, use regular basil or Thai holy basil. Regular basil works best as a general substitute.

Compare all 3 thai basil substitutes

Find the best Thai basil substitutes for any recipe. Learn how to substitute regular basil for Thai basil, Thai holy basil alternatives, and perfect substitutes for curry, pho, and more.

Other thai basil substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Thai Holy Basil
Close match
Use the same amount
Thai holy basil (bai krapao) is the closest substitute to Thai basil.
What changes
It has a similar licorice-like flavor with added spiciness and peppery notes that enhance Thai dishes.
Best for
Thai curries, stir-fries, pad krapao, authentic Thai cooking, when you want authentic flavor
Thai holy basil has a more intense flavor than regular Thai basil. Use slightly less if you find it too strong. It's perfect for authentic Thai dishes and adds the characteristic licorice-spice flavor.
3Mint
Different taste
Use the same amount
Mint provides a fresh, cooling flavor that works well in Thai basil applications, especially in salads, drinks, and lighter dishes where you want a refreshing herb presence.
What changes
Best for
Thai salads, fresh spring rolls, drinks, light dishes, when you want cooling effect
Mint has a different flavor profile but provides similar freshness. It works particularly well in Vietnamese pho and Thai salads. Use spearmint for the closest flavor match.
4Cilantro (Coriander)
Different taste
Use the same amount
Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements many Thai dishes.
What changes
While different from Thai basil, it provides the herbal freshness that many Asian recipes need.
Best for
Vietnamese dishes, Thai salads, fresh garnishes, when you want citrusy notes, pho
Cilantro has a completely different flavor but works well in many Asian applications. It's particularly good in pho and fresh spring rolls. Some people find it soapy, so consider your audience.
5Sweet Basil
Close match
Use the same amount
Sweet basil is very similar to regular basil but with a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor.
What changes
It's an excellent substitute when you want a milder version of Thai basil's sweetness.
Best for
delicate dishes, when regular basil is too strong, sweet applications, desserts, mild flavors
Sweet basil is essentially the same as regular basil but with a sweeter profile. It works well when you want the basil flavor without the intensity. Perfect for beginners.
6Dried Thai Basil
Taste and texture differ
⅓ of fresh amount
Dried Thai basil can work as a substitute when fresh isn't available, though it loses much of its aromatic quality.
What changes
It's better for long-cooking dishes where the flavor can develop.
Best for
long-cooking dishes, when fresh is unavailable, emergency substitutions, soups and stews
Dried Thai basil loses much of its licorice flavor and aromatic quality. Use 1/3 the amount of fresh. Add early in cooking to allow flavors to develop. Consider adding a pinch of anise or fennel seeds.

How it behaves in this recipe

Thai basil is essential in Southeast Asian cooking, particularly Thai cuisine. Its unique licorice-like flavor is hard to replicate, but regular basil is the most accessible substitute. The key is understanding that Thai basil adds both sweetness and a distinctive anise-like aroma that enhances curries, stir-fries, and fresh dishes. When substituting, consider the dish type - regular basil works for most applications, Thai holy basil for authentic flavor, and mint for fresh, cooling dishes.

Cooking tips

Thai basil has a unique licorice-like flavor that's hard to replicate exactly, but regular basil is the closest substitute for most applications
Add Thai basil at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma
For authentic Thai flavor, try to find Thai holy basil (bai krapao) which has similar licorice notes
If using regular basil as a substitute, add a pinch of anise or fennel seeds to mimic the licorice flavor
Thai basil pairs beautifully with chilies, garlic, fish sauce, and coconut milk in curries
In pho, regular basil or mint work well as substitutes for Thai basil
For stir-fries, regular basil or Thai holy basil provide the best flavor match
Thai basil is essential in pad krapao (holy basil stir-fry) - use Thai holy basil as the best substitute
Fresh herbs are always preferred over dried for Thai basil substitutes
Store fresh basil substitutes in a glass of water in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer

Notes on thai basil

Use a combination of regular basil and anise seeds to mimic Thai basil's licorice flavor
Try Thai holy basil (bai krapao) for the most authentic substitute with similar licorice-spice notes
For fresh applications, use mint or cilantro for a different but complementary flavor profile
In emergency situations, use dried basil with added anise or fennel seeds
Consider growing your own Thai basil or Thai holy basil for the most authentic flavor
For pho specifically, regular basil or mint are traditional and work perfectly
In curry dishes, regular basil with a pinch of star anise can approximate the flavor
For pad krapao, Thai holy basil is actually the traditional herb, not regular Thai basil

Frequently asked questions

Can I substitute regular basil for Thai basil?

Yes, regular basil is the best substitute for Thai basil. Use a 1:1 ratio. While it lacks the licorice-like flavor of Thai basil, it provides similar sweetness and aromatic quality. Add a pinch of anise or fennel seeds to mimic the licorice notes.

What's the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?

Thai basil has a distinctive licorice-like flavor with purple stems and flowers, while regular basil is sweeter and more floral with green stems. Thai basil is more pungent and aromatic, making it essential for authentic Thai dishes.

Can I substitute Thai basil for regular basil?

Yes, you can substitute Thai basil for regular basil, but it will add a licorice-like flavor to your dish. Use a 1:1 ratio. Thai basil works well in Italian dishes but will change the flavor profile significantly.

What's the best substitute for Thai basil in curry?

For Thai curry, regular basil or Thai holy basil work best. Regular basil provides similar sweetness, while Thai holy basil adds the authentic licorice-spice flavor. Add at the end of cooking to preserve the aromatic quality.

What can I substitute for Thai basil in pho?

For pho, regular basil or mint work well as substitutes. Regular basil provides similar sweetness, while mint adds a refreshing quality. Both are commonly used in Vietnamese pho and complement the broth beautifully.

Is Thai holy basil the same as Thai basil?

No, Thai holy basil (bai krapao) and Thai basil are different varieties. Thai holy basil has a more intense, spicy flavor with peppery notes, while Thai basil is sweeter with licorice-like flavor. Thai holy basil is actually a better substitute for Thai basil in many dishes.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh Thai basil?

Yes, but use 1/3 the amount of fresh. Dried Thai basil loses much of its aromatic quality and licorice flavor. It works better in long-cooking dishes where flavors can develop. Consider adding anise or fennel seeds to enhance the flavor.

What's the best substitute for Thai basil leaves?

Regular basil leaves are the best substitute for Thai basil leaves. Use the same amount and add at the end of cooking. For a more authentic flavor, try Thai holy basil or add a pinch of anise seeds to regular basil.

Can I substitute mint for Thai basil?

Yes, mint can work as a substitute for Thai basil, especially in fresh applications like salads, spring rolls, and pho. It provides a different but complementary fresh flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio.

What's the best substitute for Thai basil in stir-fries?

For stir-fries, regular basil or Thai holy basil work best. Regular basil provides similar sweetness, while Thai holy basil adds authentic Thai flavor. Add at the end of cooking and toss quickly to preserve the aromatic quality.

Thai Basil Substitute

Other thai basil substitutes

2Thai Holy Basil

3Mint

4Cilantro (Coriander)

5Sweet Basil

6Dried Thai Basil