Tía Tô

Tía tô is the Vietnamese perilla, a smaller, more aromatic variety of Perilla frutescens in the mint family, Lamiaceae. With striking two-tone leaves, deep green on top and red-purple beneath, its flavor leans warmer and bolder than its Japanese and Korean cousins. Torn fresh, it seasons pho and noodle dishes, grilled meats, spring rolls, and seafood.