The Most Popular Curry in Thailand, Ranked

Choose the curry you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:34
In Thailand, the love for curry spans across the country, embracing a spectrum of flavors from mild to intensely spicy. With each region boasting its own specialty, tourists and locals alike find themselves debating which curry stands out as the crowd favorite. Such discussions often occur in bustling marketplaces or over dinner tables in quaint eateries. By voting on your preferred Thai curry, you help others gain insight into these diverse culinary delights. This continuous input from various palates shapes a dynamic, crowd-sourced ranking that highlights what's currently capturing the taste buds of curry enthusiasts. Your participation directly influences this culinary snapshot, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to indulge in Thailand's top-curried dishes.

What Is the Most Popular Curry in Thailand?

  1. 1
    65
    votes
    Green Curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Green curry is one of the most popular curries in Thailand. It is made from a blend of green chili peppers, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, garlic, and shrimp paste. It is usually served with rice or noodles.
    Green Curry, also known as Kaeng Khiao Wan, is a popular Thai curry dish known for its vibrant green color and rich, spicy flavor. Made with a paste of green chili peppers, fragrant herbs, and spices, it is typically made with coconut milk and served with rice or noodles. The curry gets its distinctive green hue from the use of fresh green chilies and Thai basil leaves.
    • Spiciness: Hot and spicy
    • Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes
    • Main ingredients: Green chili peppers, Thai basil leaves, coconut milk, meat or vegetables
    • Flavor profile: Spicy, herbaceous, and slightly sweet
    • Texture: Creamy and thick
    Green Curry in other rankings
  2. 2
    14
    votes
    Massaman Curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Massaman curry is a mild, sweet and sour curry that originated in Southern Thailand. It is made with potatoes, peanuts, onions, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom.
    Massaman Curry is a popular curry in Thailand that is known for its rich and aromatic flavors. It is a fusion of Thai and Indian cuisine, resulting in a uniquely flavorful and complex dish. The curry is typically made with a fragrant blend of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cumin, combined with Thai herbs such as lemongrass and galangal. It features tender chunks of meat, commonly beef or chicken, cooked in a creamy coconut milk-based sauce along with potatoes, onions, and roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch. Massaman Curry is often served with jasmine rice, providing a perfect balance to the rich and spicy flavors.
    • Spices: Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cumin
    • Herbs: Lemongrass and galangal
    • Meat: Beef or chicken
    • Creaminess: Coconut milk-based sauce
    • Vegetables: Potatoes and onions
    Massaman Curry in other rankings
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    Panang Curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Panang curry is a rich and creamy curry that is made with coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, and red chili peppers. It is often served with rice and is known for its sweet and spicy flavor.
    Panang Curry is a famous Thai curry dish that is known for its rich and creamy texture. It is made by combining a thick curry paste with coconut milk, meat (usually chicken or beef), and various spices and herbs. The curry paste is made from a blend of ingredients such as dried chili peppers, lemongrass, galangal, shrimp paste, and kaffir lime zest, which gives it a distinct and aromatic flavor. The final dish is typically served with steamed rice.
    • Common Vegetables: Thai Eggplant, Bamboo Shoots
    • Serving Style: With steamed rice
    • Origin: Thailand
    • Heat Level: Medium to Hot
    • Main Ingredient: Meat (Chicken or Beef)
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Yellow Curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Yellow Curry

    Thai cuisine
    Yellow curry is a mild curry that is made with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices. It is often served with chicken, fish, or vegetables and is known for its bright yellow color.
    Yellow curry, also known as Gaeng Kari, is a popular Thai curry dish made with a flavorful blend of yellow curry paste, coconut milk, and various spices. It has a vibrant yellow color and a rich, creamy consistency. The yellow curry can be made with different ingredients, including chicken, beef, pork, or fish, along with vegetables like potatoes, onions, and carrots. This curry has a mild to medium level of spiciness, depending on the preferences of the cook and the brand of curry paste used.
    • Color: Vibrant yellow
    • Consistency: Rich and creamy
    • Base: Coconut milk
    • Spiciness: Mild to medium
    • Curry paste: Yellow curry paste
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Jungle Curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Jungle curry is a spicy and sour curry that is made without coconut milk. It is often made with meat, such as chicken or pork, and vegetables such as bamboo shoots and eggplant.
    Jungle Curry, also known as 'Gaeng Pa' in Thai, is a popular spicy Thai curry that originates from the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand. It is named after the wild ingredients traditionally used in this dish, which are sourced from the jungle. Unlike other Thai curries, Jungle Curry does not contain coconut milk, resulting in a lighter and spicier flavor profile.
    • Heat Level: Spicy
    • Ingredients: Wild edible plants, mountain herbs, and/or locally available meats (like pork, chicken, or fish).
    • Flavor Profile: Bold, aromatic, and pungent.
    • Texture: Thick gravy-like consistency.
    • Spices: Commonly includes ingredients such as galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, and chili peppers.
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    Red Curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Red curry is a spicy curry that is made with red chili peppers, garlic, and shallots. It is often served with meat or fish and is known for its vibrant red color.
    Red curry is a highly popular Thai curry known for its vibrant red color and rich, spicy flavor. It is made by combining a paste of red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, coriander roots, and other aromatic herbs and spices with coconut milk. The paste is then cooked with various ingredients such as meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables to create a delicious and aromatic dish.
    • Spice Level: Spicy
    • Color: Vibrant Red
    • Flavor: Rich and Savory
    • Ingredients: Red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, coriander roots, coconut milk
    • Protein Options: Meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables
    Red Curry in other rankings
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Khao Soi curry is a Northern Thai curry that is made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and spices such as turmeric and coriander. It is often topped with crispy noodles and served with lime and pickled cabbage.
    Khao Soi Curry is a popular Northern Thai curry dish that combines rich and creamy coconut curry with noodles, usually served with chicken or beef. The dish is known for its bold flavors and unique blend of spices, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
    • Primary Ingredients: Coconut milk, curry paste, noodles, meat (usually chicken or beef)
    • Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, and slightly spicy
    • Spices Used: Turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, ginger
    • Garnish: Fried noodles, fresh lime, pickled mustard greens, shallots, cilantro
    • Texture: Creamy curry broth with soft noodles and tender meat
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    Sour Curry
    Xufanc · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Sour Curry

    Thai culinary heritage
    Sour curry is a sour and spicy curry that is made with tamarind, fish sauce, and chili peppers. It is often served with fish or shrimp and is known for its tangy flavor.
    Sour Curry, also known as Kaeng Som, is a popular Thai curry known for its vibrant flavors and sour taste. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients such as fish, shrimp, or vegetables, combined with a tangy and spicy sauce. The curry is distinctive for its balance of sourness, spiciness, and a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
    • Sourness Level: High
    • Spiciness Level: Medium to High
    • Key Ingredients: Fish or shrimp, tamarind paste, fresh herbs
    • Flavor Profile: Sour, spicy, and slightly sweet
    • Cooking Method: Simmering
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Crab Curry

    Thai locals
    Crab curry is a seafood curry that is made with crabs, coconut milk, and spices such as turmeric and cumin. It is often served with rice or noodles and is known for its rich and creamy flavor.
    Crab Curry is a scrumptious Thai curry dish that incorporates fresh crab as the main ingredient. It is known for its bold and complex flavors, combining the heat of various spices with the sweetness of crab meat. The curry is typically made with a rich and creamy coconut milk base, giving it a luscious texture and a hint of sweetness. Along with the crab, the curry usually includes aromatic ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which add a delightful citrusy and earthy aroma to the dish. It is usually served over steamed jasmine rice or alongside crusty bread for dipping.
    • Spiciness Level: Medium to Spicy
    • Main Ingredients: Crab, Coconut Milk, Lemongrass, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaves
    • Flavor Profile: Bold, Spicy, Sweet
    • Texture: Creamy
    • Serving Style: Over steamed rice or with crusty bread
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Duck Curry
    Aswinmohan walker · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Duck curry is a rich and flavorful curry that is made with duck meat, coconut milk, and spices such as ginger and garlic. It is often served with rice and is known for its tender and juicy meat.
    Duck Curry is a traditional Thai curry dish that features succulent pieces of duck cooked in a rich and aromatic curry sauce. The curry is made with a combination of red curry paste, coconut milk, and a blend of fragrant herbs and spices. The dish is known for its complex flavors, combining the creaminess of coconut milk with the heat of the curry paste and the tender, flavorful meat of the duck. It is often served with jasmine rice or alongside other Thai dishes.
    • Ingredients: Duck, red curry paste, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, fish sauce, palm sugar, vegetables (such as bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and eggplant)
    • Spice level: Medium to hot
    • Texture: Tender duck meat in a creamy curry sauce
    • Flavor profile: Rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet with a hint of spiciness
    • Popular variations: Some variations may include the addition of pineapple or lychee for a touch of sweetness
    Duck Curry in other rankings

Missing your favorite curry?

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Ranking factors for popular curry

  1. Taste preferences of locals and tourists
    The popularity of a curry depends on its appeal to the taste buds of both locals and tourists. A curry that is enjoyed by the majority of people is likely to be more popular.
  2. Ingredients availability and seasonal variations
    A curry that features ingredients that are easily accessible and available throughout the year is more likely to be popular.
  3. Versatility
    A curry that can be served with various accompaniments such as rice, noodles, or bread, and can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian or vegan diets, is likely to be more popular.
  4. Nutritional value
    Health-conscious individuals may prefer curries with a lower fat content and higher nutritional value. A curry that offers a good balance of both might be more popular.
  5. Spice level
    The popularity of a curry also depends on its spice level. A curry that can be easily adjusted to cater to different spice preferences is likely to be more popular.
  6. Unique flavors and combinations
    Curries that offer a unique and interesting blend of flavors and ingredients may stand out among the competition and gain in popularity.
  7. Ease of preparation
    Curries that are relatively easy to prepare and cook might be more popular among home cooks, contributing to their overall popularity.
  8. Media and celebrity influence
    Exposure through television shows, cooking competitions, or endorsements from celebrities can influence a curry's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular curry in Thailand. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or curry is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1892 views
  • 177 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each curry once every 24 hours. The rank of each curry is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular curry in thailand

Thailand is known for its delicious cuisine, and one of the most popular dishes is curry. Curry is a flavorful dish made with a variety of spices and herbs, combined with meats, vegetables, and/or rice. In Thailand, there are many different types of curry, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors. Some of the most popular Thai curries include green curry, red curry, yellow curry, and massaman curry. These curries are typically served with rice and are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. With so many delicious options to choose from, it's no wonder that curry is such a beloved dish in Thailand.

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