ngò gai
Definition
- Noun:
- Culantro / Sawtooth coriander: A tropical herb used as a seasoning in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has long, serrated leaves with a strong, pungent flavor similar to but distinct from common coriander.
- Botanical context: Refers to the plant Eryngium foetidum, which is also known as spiny coriander or long coriander.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Món canh chua này cần thêm ngò gai. (This sour soup needs some culantro.)
- Ngò gai có mùi thơm rất đặc trưng. (Culantro has a very distinctive aroma.)
- Bạn có thể mua ngò gai ở chợ. (You can buy sawtooth coriander at the market.)
Advanced Usage
- Culinary Pairing: Often used finely chopped in soups, stews, and sauces. It is a key ingredient in certain regional dishes like and some types of .
- Ngò gai và rau mùi thường được dùng chung. (Culantro and cilantro are often used together.)
Variants and Related Words
- Rau mùi / Ngò (n): Cilantro / Coriander (), a related but different herb with rounded, lacy leaves.
- Rau thơm (n): A general term for aromatic herbs.
Synonyms
- Culantro: The most common English name in culinary contexts.
- Sawtooth coriander: Descriptive name referring to the leaf shape.
- Long coriander: Refers to the length of the leaves.
- Botanical name: .
Notes on Usage
- Important Distinction: "Ngò gai" is not the same as common coriander or cilantro (called "rau mùi" or "ngò" in Vietnamese). They are different plants with different leaf shapes and slightly different flavors, though both are used as herbs.
- Preparation: The leaves are typically washed and then finely chopped before being added to dishes, often as a fresh garnish.