What is it?

Hot Mint, commonly known as Rau Ram in Vietnamese or Vietnamese Coriander, is a fresh, aromatic herb that is an essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine . This 100g pack from Longdan contains fresh, chilled leaves that are commonly used in Vietnamese cooking. The herb is known for its distinctive spicy, peppery flavour with subtle citrus notes, which sets it apart from regular mint or coriander. As a product sourced fresh for the UK market, it delivers an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. Due to its highly perishable nature, it has a short expected life of 2 days when stored at 5-8°C, making it a premium fresh product .

When to use it?

Hot Mint is a versatile herb that shines in a variety of fresh and cooked dishes. It is commonly eaten fresh in chicken salads and spring rolls, where its peppery kick adds a refreshing contrast to other ingredients . The herb is also used in soups such as sour soup and stews, adding its distinctive flavour to the broth . In Vietnam, it is also popularly eaten with duck balut (fertilized duck egg) . As a fresh, delicate herb with a short shelf life, it is best used soon after purchase for maximum flavour and aroma.

How to use it?

Using Hot Mint is simple and requires no cooking for most applications. Gently wash the leaves and pat them dry before use. For salads and spring rolls, add the fresh leaves whole or torn to release their peppery flavour . For soups and stews, add the leaves towards the end of cooking or directly to the bowl just before serving so the heat releases their essential oils. The herb is traditionally served fresh alongside other herbs and vegetables at the Vietnamese dinner table, to be added to dishes according to personal taste. Store any unused portions in the refrigerator at 5-8°C and consume within 2 days .

Why is this better?

Hot Mint stands out for its unique, peppery flavour profile that is distinct from regular mint or basil. The addition of this herb brings an authentic, complex depth to dishes that dried alternatives or substitutes simply cannot replicate. As a fresh product sourced and packed for the UK market, Longdan ensures that it arrives in peak condition, retaining 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 the flavours of a meal. The 100g pack offers a generous portion that allows for multiple uses, making it great value for authentic home cooking.

Comparison with in-line products

Longdan offers a variety of fresh herbs essential to Vietnamese cuisine, including Hot Mint (Rau Ram), Rice Paddy Herb (Ngo Om), and Perilla (Tia To). Among these, Hot Mint is particularly distinctive for its peppery, spicy kick and its use in chicken salads, spring rolls, and sour soups . Unlike Rice Paddy Herb, which offers a milder lime-cumin flavour often used in pho, Hot Mint delivers a sharper, more pungent taste that works well in salads and with richer dishes like duck balut. Compared to Perilla, which has an anise-mint flavour and is often used as a wrap for grilled meats, Hot Mint has a more straightforward peppery heat. For those seeking an authentic, peppery herb to elevate their Vietnamese dishes, Hot Mint is the ideal choice.