Perilla Leaves

Perilla Leaf, also known in Vietnam as Tía Tô, is an herb native to the mountainous regions of Asia. It’s used mainly in Korean, Thai, Japanese, and of course, Vietnamese cuisine. It is a member of the mint family. The leaves are highly aromatic and the taste can have notes of basil and mint. For example, Vietnamese Tía Tô, meanwhile, has a stronger, earthier taste (and is purple underneath). They can be eaten raw or cooked. In Vietnamese cuisine, we often eat it alongside noodle soup or grilled pork and noodles alongside other herbs and vegetables. Herbs play a big role in Vietnamese cuisine. They add a lot of freshness and diversity to the flavors of any dish. You can also find it in salads or as a side for grilled meat and rice dishes.