How Spicy Do You Like Your Curry?

When it comes to Thai cuisine, the variety of curries available makes it easy to find one that suits your spice tolerance levels as well as preference for flavours.  

From mild and creamy to hot and fiery, each Thai curry brings a unique blend of spices and ingredients. Here’s a look at some of the most popular dishes.

Mild and Creamy: Thai Yellow Curry

Thai yellow curry, known for its rich yet mild flavour, is ideal for those who prefer a subtle spice that is easy on the palate. It has a thick, creamy consistency thanks to coconut milk and features warming spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

·       Yellow curry is often made with tender chicken or vegetables and is served with rice, creating a comforting dish that offers great versatility.

·       With its balanced flavours, yellow curry pairs well with fragrant jasmine rice, enhancing its mild spiciness.

If you’re new to Thai cuisine or prefer a gentler heat, yellow curry is an excellent choice that offers a delicious introduction to Thai flavours without overwhelming your taste buds.

Balanced and Fragrant: Thai Massaman Curry

Massaman curry is another mild option but combines Thai and Persian influences. Made with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it has a complex, aromatic taste. Massaman curry is often prepared with beef or lamb and simmered with potatoes and peanuts, creating a filling meal.

While not particularly spicy, Massaman curry provides a warming sensation due to its use of spices rather than chillies. This curry is perfect for those who appreciate a deep flavour without that intense heat and is a Thai restaurant favourite.

Fresh and Zesty: Thai Green Curry

Green curry is one of the most popular Thai dishes in the UK. Made with green chillies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, it has a fresh flavour that stands out among other curries. As so often in Thai cuisine, coconut milk balances the spice, creating a creamy yet vibrant dish often served with chicken, pork, or fish.

The green chillies give this curry mild to medium heat, allowing the fragrant herbs and spices to shine through. Thai green curry pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile choice for those who want a moderate spice level without overpowering flavours.

Rich and Bold: Thai Red Curry

Thai red curry brings a more pronounced heat compared to green curry, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit more spice. Made with red chillies, garlic, and galangal, red curry has a deep, slightly sweet flavour balanced by the creaminess of coconut milk. This curry is typically cooked with beef, chicken, or tofu, and its bold, warming spice makes it a popular choice in colder weather.

Red curry is spicier than green curry but still accessible for those who enjoy a warming kick without extreme heat. Its robust flavours pair well with sticky rice, which helps balance the spice while allowing you to savour the complexity of the dish.

Fiery and Intense: Thai Jungle Curry

Finally, unlike other Thai curries, jungle curry doesn’t contain coconut milk, giving it a thinner consistency, thus allowing the heat of the chillies to shine through. Made with a mix of red and green chillies, peppercorns, and fresh herbs, this curry has a fiery, bold taste.

Jungle curry is traditionally made with game meats or pork and is often served with vegetables like bamboo shoots and green beans. This curry is extremely spicy and is best suited for those who love intense heat and bold flavours. Served with jasmine rice, jungle curry provides an unforgettable experience for spice enthusiasts.