Local Basil | Húng Quế, commonly known as local basil, is a fragrant herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine for its distinctive aroma and flavor, which combine sweet, peppery, and anise-like notes. This versatile herb enhances a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and noodle bowls. When grown in Hoi An, the unique flavor of local basil is amplified, making it even more desirable. Rich in essential oils, such as eugenol and estragole, local basil not only adds culinary value but also offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its vibrant green leaves and purple stems also add a visual appeal to dishes, making local basil a staple ingredient in many traditional Vietnamese recipes.
Hoi An cuisine is renowned for incorporating unique herbs and spices, including local basil. Mộc Garden restaurant proudly features dishes with local basil, delivering rich flavors and nutritional benefits to diners. Masterchef Pham Tuan Hai has masterfully utilized the flavor of local basil in the dishes at Mộc Garden, creating appealing and unique Hoi An specialties.
The dishes at Mộc Garden restaurant that use local basil as an ingredient include:
- Beef Salad with Tamarind Sauce: Grilled beef salad with local basil and tamarind sauce, offering a distinctive and unforgettable flavor.
- Prawn Salad with “Rau Ma” & Peppermint Sauce: A delicate combination of seared prawns, pennywort, local basil, and peppermint sauce, providing a refreshing taste.
- Three Kinds of Smoked Salmon with Passion Fruit Herb Sauce: Smoked salmon with kaffir lime leaves, local basil, and passion fruit herb sauce, offering a delightful culinary experience.
- BBQ Ribs with Honey Mustard Sauce: BBQ ribs with honey mustard sauce, grilled vegetables with garlic butter, and local basil, creating a mouthwatering dish.
By incorporating local basil, Mộc Garden restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Hoi An cuisine, emphasizing the use of Hoi An herbs and spices to provide a delightful culinary experience.