Thai basil is not to be confused with Italian sweet basil which is from the same (mint) family but a very different plant. Thai basil can be described as the fun and exotic cousin with aromatic and slightly spicy with notes of anise, licorice, mint and cinnamon. Thai basil stands up to spicy food very well and is an essential component in Pho, the Vietnamese soup. It is also commonly used in other Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan and, of course Thailand.