What is it?
Rice Paddy Herb, known in Vietnamese as Ngo Om, is a distinctive fresh herb that grows primarily in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam . This 100g pack from Longdan brings this authentic Southeast Asian ingredient directly to your kitchen. The herb features slender, slightly serrated leaves with a subtle, earthy flavour profile that is often described as a cross between lime and cumin. It is one of the essential fresh herbs in Vietnamese cuisine, traditionally placed at the centre of the dinner table alongside other raw vegetables and herbs so diners can add it to their dishes according to personal taste .
When to use it?
Rice Paddy Herb is best used fresh and is a key ingredient in many classic Vietnamese dishes. It is commonly added to pho noodle soups, curries, and hotpots, where its fresh, fragrant flavour cuts through richness and adds brightness to the broth . The herb shines when used as a garnish, similar to how one might use fresh basil or coriander. Because it is delicate and highly perishable with an expected shelf life of only 2 days , it is best used soon after purchase. It works equally well in fresh salads, rice paper rolls, and even as a flavouring for dipping sauces.
How to use it?
Using Rice Paddy Herb is simple and requires no cooking. Gently wash the leaves and pat them dry before serving. For noodle soups and hotpots, place a handful of leaves directly into the bowl just before eating so the hot broth releases their essential oils and fragrance. In salads or fresh rolls, tear the leaves into smaller pieces and mix them in with other herbs and vegetables. The herb can also be chopped and stirred into dipping sauces or dressing to add a unique aromatic dimension. Store any unused portions in the refrigerator at 5-8°C and consume within 2 days for the best flavour and freshness .
Why is this better?
Rice Paddy Herb offers a flavour profile that is hard to replicate with other herbs. Its subtle lime-cumin character adds an authentic, complex aroma to dishes that is distinct from the more common coriander or mint. Sourced and packed fresh for the UK market, Longdan ensures that this imported herb retains its characteristic fragrance and texture . Being a fresh, natural product with no additives or preservatives, it provides the genuine Vietnamese dining experience—where fresh herbs are considered essential to balance and elevate flavours. The 100g pack is a generous portion that allows for multiple uses, making it a great value for those who enjoy authentic Vietnamese cooking.
Comparison with in-line products
Longdan offers a variety of fresh herbs that are essential to Vietnamese cuisine, with Rice Paddy Herb (Ngo Om) being a unique offering alongside products like Perilla (Tia To), Hot Mint (Rau Ram), and Vietnamese Coriander. Among these, Ngo Om is particularly distinctive for its rice paddy origins and its frequent role as a table-side condiment in pho and curry dishes . Unlike Perilla, which offers a more robust, minty-anise flavour often used in grilled meats, or Hot Mint, which has a sharp, spicy kick, Ngo Om presents a milder, more refreshing taste that does not overpower the main ingredients. It is this delicate balance that makes it a staple at the traditional Vietnamese dinner table.
