Holy Basil Source -- NOVA

[ciaohound]

Anyone know of a reliable source for holy basil in Northern Virginia? Duangrat's Grocery in Bailey's often has it but I need a backup. Thanks.

[CoconutMilk]

I can't find holy basil anywhere either! Also, have you ever found fresh coriander root at any thai stores? It's an indispensable ingredient for homemade curry pastes and I would love to get my hands on some.

[ciaohound]

I have gotten holy basil at Duangrat's grocery but only spotty availability. Coriander is the same as the commonly available cilantro. Often, especially in Asian groceries, it is sold with the roots on instead of cut to the stem. The roots can be frozen for later use,I am told but I have not tried that as the fresh are fairly readily available in NOVA.

[brooke]

I got mine from Duangrat's, but they don't always have it so you might want to call before making the trip. Sometimes Super H Mart's cilantro comes with roots too.. but not so often.

[ciaohound]

Just got cilantro/coriander with roots at Whole Foods this evening.

[takadi]

I've also been looking for thai grocery stores, I usually go to duangrat's, but I've been recently meaning to check out a store in Vienna called "Thai Asian food market". Not sure how good they are, but I can head out there sometime and give you a report back

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Thai-Asian Food Market
350 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA

[Dennis S]

I think this is the one I frequented when I lived in Oakton. It's decent, as I recall, but it's been nearly 5 years for me now.

There's a good one in Herndon - tucked away across and just beyond the Bakery for Amphora.

And now, in Reston - at Tall Oaks - is Freshworld.

[theoneontheleft]

We popped into El Grande Mercado, off of the beltway and Backlick Rd. in Springfield, for something else. I noticed they had many big bags of "Thai Basil." Cheap too.

[ciaohound]

thanks, but Thai basil and Holy basil are two different things, but personnel even in Thai groceries often don't distinguish the two.

[pleen]

Have you checked Bangkok 54 grocery? They are a Thai grocery store right next to Bangkok 54 the restaurant.

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Bangkok 54
2927 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA

[ciaohound]

Haven't tried that store but will. Thanks.

[ciaohound]

Tried Bangkok 54 grocery today. Unfortunately, not even an empty space on the shelves for Holy Basil. Any other suggestions? It is really not replaceable for some Thai dishes.