Disambiguation
Though similar to European laurel bay leaves, Indian bay leaf are a not the same and are not suitable substitutes. In fact, cinnamon bark is a better substitute than European laurel bay.
Description
Tej patta is visually similar to European laurel bay leaves, but are larger, olive green in color, and have three veins running the length of the leaf. This leaf is from the Cinnamomum tamala plant, hence the confusing common name of 'cassia leaf'. The aroma and flavor of tej patta is reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, and cassia.