Vietnam is home to a rich variety of edible herbs that are essential in Vietnamese cuisine. Some of these herbs are unique to Vietnamese market, but with the right conditions, they can be grown in other parts of the world. In this article, we’ll explore 8 special Viet herbs and provide simple tips on how you can cultivate them in your own garden.
1. Rau Răm (Vietnamese Coriander)
Rau ram is perennial, has a spicy, peppery taste, making it a favorite addition to salads, soups, and fertilized duck egg (balut). It’s also used in herbal remedies for digestion and colds.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Prefers warm, humid weather (tropical and subtropical climates).
- Soil: Well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. Learn different gardening soils here.
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
- Propagation: Can be grown from cuttings placed in water or directly in soil.
- Watering: Needs regular watering but avoid waterlogging.
2. Kinh Giới (Vietnamese Balm) – Elsholtzia ciliata
Kinh gioi is a fragrant herb used in Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and salads, also valued in traditional medicine for treating colds and fevers.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Prefers warm climates.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Propagation: Grows easily from seeds.
- Watering: Regular watering but avoid overwatering.
3. Tía Tô (Shiso /Perilla) – Perilla frutescens
Tia to is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, often used as a garnish or in herbal remedies for digestion and colds.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Warm and humid conditions.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Propagation: Grown from seeds, like roses.
- Watering: Moderate watering.
4. Diếp Cá (Fish Mint) – Houttuynia cordata
Known for its strong aroma, often used in salads and detoxifying drinks.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Thrives in humid environments.
- Soil: Moist soil, even tolerates waterlogged conditions. But be careful about fungus in soil.
- Sunlight: Partial shade.
- Propagation: Easily grows from cuttings.
- Watering: Requires consistently wet soil.
5. Húng Quế (Thai Basil) & Bạc Hà (Spearmint) – Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora & Mentha spicata
Both herbs are essential in pho (Vietnamese noodle soups) and salads, providing a fresh, aromatic flavor.
How To Grow:
- Climate: Warm and sunny conditions.
- Soil: Well-drained soil.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Propagation: Easily grown from cuttings or seeds.
- Watering: Regular watering.
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6. Rau mùi (Cilantro) – Coriandrum sativum
Cilantro is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine for garnishing soups, salads, spring rolls and noodle. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor and is also known for its detoxifying properties.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Prefers cool to mild temperatures.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter.
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
- Propagation: Grown from seeds.
- Watering: Regular watering; keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
7. Thì Là (Dill) – Anethum graveolens
Dill is an essential herb in Vietnamese seafood dishes, soups, and salads. It has a fresh, slightly sweet taste with hints of anise.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Prefers cooler temperatures but adapts to warm regions.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Propagation: Grown from seeds.
- Watering: Regular but avoid overwatering.
8. Ngò Gai (Sawtooth Herb) – Eryngium foetidum
Sawtooth, also known as culantro has a strong, cilantro-like flavor and is used in pho, soups, and salads. It’s serrated, that’s why being called sawtooth.
How to Grow:
- Climate: Thrives in warm, humid climates. I
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
- Propagation: Grown from seeds.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Growing Vietnamese Herbs Outside Vietnam
If you live in a colder region, you can still grow herb starters indoors or in a greenhouse. Here are some general tips:
- Indoor Growing: Use pots with good drainage and place starter plants near a sunny window.
- Temperature Control: Keep herbs in a warm room (above 20°C/68°F) or use a heat lamp.
- Humidity: Mist the plants regularly if you live in a dry climate.
- Soil & Watering: Use well-draining soil and water consistently, but avoid overwatering.
- Harvesting: Trim leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent plants from becoming too woody.
In conclusion, Vietnamese fresh herbs add unique flavors to Vietnamese food and provide excellent health benefits. With the right conditions, you can successfully grow them in different parts of the world. Whether you have a garden, a greenhouse, or just a sunny windowsill, these herbs can thrive with a little care and attention. Start growing them today and bring the taste of Vietnam into your home!