February 16, 201610 yr Bought in local market in Chonburi. Not something I have seen before. I use this market twice a week and they don't sell it on a regular basis. Leaves are quite hard, a little waxy. When leaves are chewed, there is a taste that bears a slight resemblance to mint. Girlfriend, who knows her vegetables, has never seen it before so it is not found in Isaan. Any ideas?
February 16, 201610 yr Author Zeichen Thanks but it is not bai chaphloo Piper sarmentosum with which I am very familiar. For one, this leaf has jagged edges and it not as waxy as bai chaphloo and the taste is different. Also my girlfriend absolutely knows bai chaphloo. It will be an unusual one. That is why we don't know it.
February 16, 201610 yr ok. Sorry, it wasn't a very clear picture. Could it be the Korean plant Perilla? The use it to wrap grilled meat. they have a slight minty taste https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perilla
February 16, 201610 yr Author I believe you may have hit the nail on the head. Until, I get any contradicting information, I will go with Perilla. Thanks. Wikipedia says it is known as phak maeng da in Laos. Perhaps it is the same in Isaan or even all over Thailand.
February 23, 201610 yr Author Update I saw the same vegetable or leaf in the market the following week and asked the vendor the name of it in Thai. It is apparently ใบยี่หร่า bai yeera Ocimum gratissimum or tree basil in English. Having said that it does look very similar to Perilla
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