Vegetables

Coriander / Cilantro

An aromatic herb bunch with thin green stems and delicate lobed leaves.

Fresh coriander bunch showing thin green stems and delicate divided leaves — Identification illustration; actual appearance may vary.

3 identity clues

An aromatic herb bunch with thin green stems and delicate lobed leaves.
Look for fine stems and soft fan-shaped to deeply divided leaves.
Coriander has small divided leaves; celery has much thicker stalks and larger leaves.

Reading language:

Names in other languages

繁體中文: 芫荽
English: Coriander / Cilantro
Bahasa Indonesia: Daun ketumbar (芫荽)
Tagalog: Wansoy / Coriander (芫荽)

Name in Cantonese (Jyutping): jyun4 seoi1

What is it?

Coriander has a distinctive aroma, slender green stems and small divided leaves, unlike the larger stalks and leaves of celery.

How to identify it

Look for fine stems and soft fan-shaped to deeply divided leaves.

Common Hong Kong household uses

Use in a recipe that specifically names this vegetable; this page identifies the market item only.

Choosing & preparing

Wash thoroughly under clean running water before cooking; do not use soap, special detergent or produce wash.

Storage

Wash only immediately before cooking or eating; if pre-washing is necessary, dry thoroughly and follow the label or supplier storage directions.

Helper tip

Use the Hong Kong name and check the physical features or original label when buying. Look for fine stems and soft fan-shaped to deeply divided leaves.

What Ma’am or Sir may say

唔該要芫荽，俾我睇清楚先。

The employer wants Coriander / Cilantro and asks for it to be checked before purchase.

Useful market phrase