How to Find Kaffir Lime Leaves

Kaffir lime is a common flavor in many traditional Thai dishes. Perhaps surprisingly, the juice from kaffir lime fruits is not one of the parts most often used. Instead, the parts of the plant generally included in Thai cuisine are the plant's leaves and the zest from the outside of the fruits. Kaffir lime leaves have a distinctive flavor and aroma that is different from that of more familiar and common lime leaves, so substituting a lime leaf from your garden will not provide your dish with the correct flavor.

• 1

  Visit a nearby store specializing in international, Thai or Asian cuisine. These stores are much more likely to carry kaffir lime leaves than ordinary grocery stores.

• 2

  Go to the produce section of the grocery store. You may find the kaffir lime leaves either loose or in small plastic packages in this section. If you cannot find them, ask an employee for assistance.

• 3

  Visit a Thai restaurant if you could not find the kaffir lime leaves at the store. Ask the chef where he purchases his kaffir lime leaves. He will probably be able to direct you to a store where you can buy these leaves. He may even be willing to give or sell you one of his kaffir lime leaves for you to use in your recipe.