Dec 10, 2023

In Thai cuisine, there are primarily 3 types of curry: yellow curry, red curry, and green curry. What makes them different? What are they made of? Which Thai curry is the strongest and spiciest? We have all the answers for you.

What is Thai curry?

First and foremost, it's important to note that curry is not defined as a single spice but rather as a blend of several spices. Unlike Indian curry, which comes in powder form (because it's made from dried spices), Thai curry comes in paste form. Indeed, the different types of Thai curry are composed primarily of fresh ingredients such as shallots or fresh lemongrass.

What's the difference between red, yellow, and green curry?

What are the basic ingredients in Thai curry pastes?

All Thai curries are prepared with the same basic ingredients: chilies, galangal, garlic and onions, lemongrass, coriander seeds, salt, and pepper. Shrimp paste is also widely used to prepare all types of curry found in Thailand's signature dishes. Other aromatics are then added depending on the desired type of curry, and everything is ground in a mortar until a paste forms.

But then, why do they have different colors? Because they don't use the same chilies. Moreover, other aromatics are used for each curry type, which can enhance their color (tomatoes for red curry, herbs for green curry...)

What is red curry made of?

Red curry (Krueng Kang Phet in Thai) owes its color to the use of dried red chilies in its preparation. To this are added the base ingredients of curries (coriander seeds, galangal, garlic, lemongrass, shrimp paste) as well as other aromatics like cumin seeds and shallots. To enhance its red color, some use tomatoes or add chili powder.

What is yellow curry made of?

Yellow curry (Krueng kang Kari in Thai) uses roughly the same ingredients as red curry. The only differences? It owes its distinctive color to the addition of a generous amount of turmeric. Dried red chilies, on the other hand, are used in smaller quantities than in red curry. Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg can also be used to make yellow curries.

What is green curry made of?

Green curry (Krueng kang Kaew Wan in Thai) is the only curry type to use fresh green chilies (typically bird's eye chilies). These chilies give it its green color along with other ingredients such as kaffir lime leaves and zest, Thai basil, fresh coriander leaves, and kaffir lime.

Yellow, red, or green curry: which one is the hottest?

Many travelers tend to believe that red curry is the hottest of Thai curries because of its bright red color. And yet, it's green curry that packs the most heat. Indeed, fresh green chilies are much spicier than dried red chilies. As for yellow curries, they are the mildest and most gentle of Thai curries as they typically contain less chili.

Good to know: Although green curry is hotter than the others, you may be surprised to find a red or yellow curry that's spicier. In fact, the heat level of chilies can vary from dish to dish depending on the amount of chili used to make the curry pastes.

The trick to know: To soften the spicy effect of chilies, Thais frequently use milk or coconut cream when making Thai curries. And for good reason—coconut milk contains fats capable of neutralizing the effects of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy sensation from chilies.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but about forging bonds—often invisible but always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers with integrity, raise awareness about animal welfare and respect for cultures, and highlight the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadows of a trail, at the edge of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly listen to…