Basil Leaf, Fresh Turmeric and Fish Head Soup

Why people make this soup

Basil is one of those herbs with so many names that even experienced cooks sometimes get confused — in Thailand it is called “holy basil” and used liberally in stir-fries; in the Cantonese-speaking world it is known as “nine-storey tower” (九层塔); in Chaoshan cuisine it is called “golden not-for-trade” (金不换); and in northern China it goes by yet another name entirely. The botanical name is simply Ocimum basilicum. What all these traditions share is the recognition that this aromatic herb has a remarkable ability to awaken the appetite, clear digestive stagnation, and dispel dampness.

Nourilo combines fresh basil with fresh turmeric root and fish head to create a deeply aromatic soup whose smell alone is extraordinary — warm, golden, and completely appetite-opening. Traditional Chinese food therapy considers regular consumption of this soup to also support cognitive sharpness and help prevent mental fog with ageing.