โหระพา
horapha
The Thai word for basil is โหระพา (horapha).
โหระพา refers specifically to sweet basil, a variety frequently used in Thai salads and curries.
Meaning: herb (noun)
Which one should you use?
Thai speakers distinguish between different types of basil.
How do you pronounce it?
horapha
Did you know?
- Thai cuisine utilizes a third variety called แมงลัก (maenglak), or lemon basil. It is primarily used in clear soups and has a distinct citrus scent unlike the peppery notes of โหระพา.
- In traditional Thai medicine, โหระพา is sometimes used as a digestive aid. It is believed to help expel gas and treat stomach aches when used in specific preparations.
- Unlike Western basil which is often dried, โหระพา is almost exclusively used fresh in Thai cooking. Drying it often destroys the aromatic oils that define its characteristic scent.
Examples in context
- โหระพาไทยมีรสชาติที่แตกต่างThai basil has a distinct flavor.
- ฉันชอบกลิ่นโหระพามากchan chop klin horapha makI like the scent of basil very much.
- เราต้องซื้อโหระพามาทำอาหารrao tong sue horapha ma tham a-hanWe need to buy basil to cook.
- โหระพาอยู่ในตะกร้าหน้าบ้านhorapha yu nai takra na banThe basil is in the basket in front of the house.
Example conversation
At a local fresh market.
- พิมล Pimonวิทวัส คุณเห็นโหระพาไหมwitthawat khun hen horapha maiWitthawat, do you see the basil?
- วิทวัส Witthawatผมเห็นแล้วครับ อยู่ตรงนั้นphom hen laeo khrap yu trong nanI see it, it is over there.
- พิมล Pimonช่วยหยิบให้พิมลหน่อยได้ไหมคะchuay yip hai phimon noi dai mai khaCan you please pick some up for Pimol?
- วิทวัส Witthawatได้ครับ ผมจะหยิบให้ครับdai khrap phom cha yip hai khrapYes, I will pick some up for you.
