Replace Pandan leaf in a recipe?

Question

Can any herb or combination of spices replace Pandan leaf in a recipe? Trying to cook Indonesian food but the leaf is the only thing not availble in my city.

Answer 1

I'm not sure where you live, but you can buy Pandan leaves online if you can't find it locally: http://www.thai-food-online.co.uk/shoppi...

Answer 2

I am a former chef and worked in Singapore and we them alot, a bayleaf is a close alternative in my mind, with a bit tarragon or dried basil.

Answer 3

Are you using the leaf to wrap the food as a packet?  In which case you could replace the pandan leaf with banana leaf or even use wax paper, parchment paper or aluminum foil .

As an herb, the essence is known as "kewra" ---- if you have an Indian store in town, they will carry it.  It's also called s***w pine leaf, many Asian stores will carry it (check the frozen section).

Answer 4

The pandan leaf is used mainly for the unique fragrance & taste it imparts to the food, and hence there is no acceptable substitute (certainly not bay leaves especially if used in desserts).