It's also a popular ingredient in Indonesian and Persian cookery. For example, add lemon basil to a traditional pesto to add a depth of flavor. Of course, this herb can also be used in other cuisines, so it'll never go to waste. It also tastes delicious raw and can be added fresh to salads, pork rolls, or as an accompaniment to the main dish. Use lemon basil to add flavor to soup, curries, stews, or to brighten a sauce. Its clean, herbaceous, and sweet notes are similar although there is an additional anise undertone that differs a little. Lemon basil is a handy backup option for Vietnamese balm thanks to its fresh lemon flavor. Vietnamese coriander or perilla leaves will provide a different flavor for those who don’t enjoy Vietnamese balm.

If you’re in a pinch, then try sweet basil combined with lemon thyme or lemongrass. While they're not a perfect match, they share similar flavor notes and won't be out of place in most recipes. The best substitutes for Vietnamese balm are lemon basil or Thai basil. What can I use to replace Vietnamese balm?

What can I use to replace Vietnamese balm?.

We've created a list of our top recommended Vietnamese balm substitutes so that you can finish any recipe without the original ingredient. If you can't get your hands on Vietnamese balm then you're going to need an alternative. The herb brightens heavy food and has a strong minty, citrusy flavor - it tastes like basil with hints of lemon. It is commonly added to fresh Vietnamese rolls, meat dishes, soups, and herb platters. Vietnamese balm or Kinh Giới is a popular herb used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese star balm