Thai Curries are a fundamental and beloved part of Thai Cuisine, known for their bold flavors and aromatic profiles. And because of its unique and vibrant flavors, Thai Curries have gained international popularity.
Thai Curries are a significant culinary tradition in Thailand, and people extensively enjoy their cultural richness and authenticity. They are usually prepared by blending herbs and spices into a paste and then cooking it with coconut milk and various proteins and vegetables. There are several Thai Curries, each with unique characteristics and ingredients. However, these curries can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the spice levels, flavorful complexity, diverse texture and creaminess, versatile ingredients with aromatic herbs, and choice of meats or vegetables. They often have Thai basil leaves garnished. It is typically served with fragrant jasmine rice, flatbread, or rice noodles, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Here are the seven most popular Thai Curries if you’re new to try.
GREEN CURRY (Kaeng Khiao Wan)
“Kaeng Khiao Wan,” the Green Thai curries, are popular and vibrant curries known for their rich, aromatic, and balanced flavors. This dish contains a green curry paste made from green chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, and Thai eggplants. The green curry is moderately spicy, and you can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by controlling the amount of green curry paste used.
The Green Curry goes very well with chicken. This curry is one of the most classic variations of the Green Curries. Sliced or diced chicken simmers in the green curry sauce, along with vegetables like Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers. However, this variation of green curry also caters to vegetarians and vegans. Instead of meat or seafood, tofu or a variety of vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and carrots are used as the protein source. You can also add tofu puffs for extra texture.
RED CURRY (Kaeng Phet)
“Kaeng Phet,” the Red Thai Curry, is known for its rich and peppery flavors. This dish contains a red curry paste made from red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and shallots. The Red Thai Curries are spicier than green ones and often slightly nutty. However, you can balance the spice level with the coconut cream milk.
The choice of proteins and vegetables allows for diverse variations to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and delicious dish in Thai cuisine. But you must try the Red Curry Noodle Soup, often garnished with bean sprouts, cilantro, and lime wedges. Red Curry with Pineapple is also a delightful and tropical twist. It provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy sauce and goes well with mostly seafood, tofu, and even dishes with other meats.
YELLOW CURRY (Kaeng Lueang)
“Kaeng Lueang,” the Yellow Thai Curries, are known for their mild spiciness and creamy texture, making them a favorite choice for those who prefer less spicy. Yes, this curry is softer than the Green curry with a slightly sweet, warm, and aromatic flavor profile. The dish contains a yellow curry paste of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and shallots. With its balance of sweetness from palm sugar and richness from coconut milk, it is a comforting and satisfying meal.
If you love fish, try the Yellow Thai Curry with Fish. Vegetarians can eat this curry with their preferred veggies, but it gives a different kick with potatoes. Yellow Curry with Potatoes features potatoes as the main ingredient, creating a comforting and filling dish. It may also include carrots, onions, and sometimes cashews for a hearty and delightful dish with added texture.
JUNGLE THAI CURRY (Gaeng Pa)
“Gaeng Pa,” the Jungle Thai Curry, is known for its fiery spiciness and robust, herbaceous flavors. It is unique among other Thai Curries because it does not include coconut milk. Instead, it features a bold and flavorful broth containing a jungle curry paste, meats, and vegetables.
Jungle Thai Curry with Eggplants is a yummy option. This dish includes eggplants as a prominent vegetable, adding a creamy texture and a mild, slightly bitter flavor to the curry. You can also try the Jungle Curry with Pork, where thinly sliced pork is used in this variation, providing a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with the intense heat and spices of the jungle curry. Alternatively, you can mix pork and eggplant into a delicious zesty dish.
MASSAMAN CURRY (Kaeng Matsaman)
“Kaeng Matsaman,” the Massaman Thai Curry, is a flavorful and mildly spicy sauce known for its rich, nutty, and slightly sweet taste. It contains a Massaman Curry paste made with a mix of Indian and Thai spices, giving a distinct flavor profile because of its unique blend. The addition of roasted peanuts or cashews adds a delightful crunch, and the creaminess of coconut milk balances the spiciness.
Although it goes well with almost everything, Massaman Curry with Duck gives the curry sauce an authentic and luxurious flavor. Massaman Curry with Tofu is another great option for vegans or vegetarians. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the curry sauce, making it a delicious and protein-rich choice.
PANANG THAI CURRY (Phanaeng)
“Phanaeng,” Panang Thai Curries, are known for their rich, creamy, and aromatic qualities, balanced sweetness, nuttiness, and spiciness. Panang Curry is similar to the Red Curry but with a thicker consistency. It contains a Penang curry paste, coconut milk, and a variety of proteins and vegetables.
Panang Curry with Shrimp is a big YES! Although the creamy sauce goes very well with almost all seafood, plump shrimp makes it a delicious seafood option. The curry also includes vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and baby corn. Panang Curry also caters to vegans, typically featuring tofu or a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans. It’s a hearty and flavorful meatless option for vegans.
PUMPKIN THAI CURRY (Gaeng Fak Thong)
“Gaeng Fak Thong,” the Pumpkin Thai Curry, is known for its slightly sweet and creamy texture, which complements the spiciness of the pumpkin curry paste. It typically features a red or green curry paste, coconut milk, chunks of pumpkin or butternut squash, and a choice of protein.
People often try the Pumpkin Thai Curry with Chickpeas, which combines pumpkin and chickpeas for a hearty and protein-rich dish. Pumpkin Curry with Chicken is another flavorful option to try.
