Introducing other Aromatic Herb and Spices in Thai cuisine There are some key ingredients that give Thai food it's distinctive aroma, depth and layers of flavour. Lemongrass, galangal, lime (rind and leaves), coriander leaves, sweet Thai basil leaves and garlic are used in one way or another is all Thai dishes.

Look for lemongrass in the herb section of your supermarket. Lemongrass can be sold in long stalks that you chop yourself, short stocks in a plastic container, or as a jarred or bottled paste.

Lemongrass in Thailand is called takhrai (ตะไคร้).

They resemble fat scallions, with a pale yellow-green stalk that fades into a tough white root. When shopping for fresh lemongrass, look for stalks that are green, firm, and fragrant and with outer leaves that aren't too desiccated (indicating a longer time in storage).