The Most Popular Thai Curry, Ranked

Choose the curry you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 11, 2024 07:38
Thai curry, with its rich blend of spices, herbs, and robust flavors, has captivated the taste buds of many around the world. Although universally loved, the preferences for specific types of Thai curry can vary widely among individuals. This variation makes it particularly interesting to see which curries rise to the top as favorites in a community-driven ranking. By participating in this live voting, you get a chance to contribute your voice and see how your favorite stacks up against others. It's not only about seeing which curry gets the most votes but understanding why it appeals to a broader audience. Your participation will help paint a clearer picture of the popular choices, potentially influencing new curry lovers towards the best there is to offer.

What Is the Most Popular Thai Curry?

  1. 1
    32
    votes
    Green curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This is one of the most popular curries in Thailand, made with green chilies, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. It has a slightly sweet and milder taste compared to other curries.
    Green curry is a popular Thai curry that is known for its vibrant green color and spicy flavor. It is a rich and aromatic curry made with a paste consisting of green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and other fragrant spices. The curry is typically cooked with coconut milk, which adds a creamy and slightly sweet taste. It is commonly prepared with chicken or beef, but can also be enjoyed with other meats or vegetables.
    • Spiciness level: Spicy
    • Color: Green
    • Main ingredients: Green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves
    • Coconut milk: Yes
    • Meat options: Chicken, beef, pork
  2. 2
    27
    votes
    Massaman curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This curry has a distinct Middle Eastern influence, with a rich and creamy sauce made with coconut milk, peanuts, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. It is often served with potatoes and roasted peanuts.
    Massaman curry is a rich and flavorful Thai curry that combines influences from Indian and Malay cuisine. It is known for its aromatic spices and creamy texture, making it a favorite among curry lovers worldwide.
    • Protein: Typically made with chicken, beef, or lamb.
    • Spice Level: Mild to medium heat, although it can be adjusted according to personal preference.
    • Flavor Profile: Combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves.
    • Ingredients: Typically includes coconut milk, Massaman curry paste, meat or vegetables, potatoes, onions, roasted peanuts, and various spices.
    • Texture: Creamy and smooth due to the addition of coconut milk and ground peanuts.
  3. 3
    6
    votes
    Red curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Another popular Thai curry, made with red chilies, garlic, and galangal. It has a spicier taste compared to green curry and is often served with meat or fish.
    Red curry is a traditional Thai curry known for its vibrant red color and bold flavors. It is a spicy and aromatic curry that incorporates a combination of red chili peppers, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and shallots. The curry paste is made by grinding together these ingredients with additional spices such as coriander seeds, cumin, and peppercorns. Coconut milk is then added to create a creamy and rich base for the curry. The curry is often cooked with a variety of ingredients such as meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables, and served with steamed rice.
    • Spiciness: Moderate to high
    • Ingredients: Red chili peppers, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, coriander seeds, cumin, peppercorns, coconut milk, meat or vegetables
    • Flavor profile: Savory, spicy, and aromatic
    • Consistency: Creamy and thick
    • Color: Vibrant red
  4. 4
    10
    votes
    Panang curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This curry has a creamy and nutty flavor, made with peanuts and coconut milk. It is often served with meat or tofu and is one of the spiciest curries in Thailand.
    Panang curry is a popular Thai curry that is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. It typically features a thick red curry paste made with ingredients like dried chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, and spices. The curry is cooked with coconut milk, which gives it its creamy consistency and adds a hint of sweetness. It is commonly made with chicken or beef, but can also be prepared with pork, shrimp, or tofu. Panang curry is often garnished with kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil, adding freshness and aroma to the dish.
    • Flavor: Rich, creamy, slightly sweet
    • Main Ingredients: Red curry paste, coconut milk, protein of choice
    • Key Spices: Dried chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal
    • Garnish: Kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil
    • Thickness: Thick curry sauce
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Yellow curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Yellow curry

    Thai cuisine
    This curry has a milder taste and is made with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It is often served with potatoes and meat or seafood.
    Yellow curry is a popular Thai curry known for its vibrant yellow color and mild, aromatic flavor. It is made by combining a paste of turmeric, cumin, coriander, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and shallots with coconut milk and a variety of vegetables and proteins.
    • Spiciness level: Mild
    • Color: Yellow
    • Flavor profile: Aromatic and slightly sweet
    • Base ingredients: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, coconut milk
    • Common vegetables: Potatoes, onions, carrots
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Jungle curry
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This is a spicier and more savory curry, made with a variety of vegetables and meat. It is often served with rice and is a popular dish in Northern Thailand.
    Jungle curry, also known as 'Kaeng Pa', is a popular Thai curry that is known for its fiery and vibrant flavors. Unlike other Thai curries, jungle curry is typically made without coconut milk, giving it a lighter and spicier taste. It is a true representation of the rustic and robust flavors found in Thai cuisine.
    • Spiciness: Jungle curry is renowned for its high level of spiciness, making it a favorite among spice enthusiasts.
    • Ingredients: Common ingredients in jungle curry include Thai basil, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai eggplants, and various types of chili peppers.
    • No Coconut Milk: Unlike other Thai curries, jungle curry does not include coconut milk in its preparation, resulting in a thinner and less creamy texture.
    • Meat Options: Jungle curry can be made with various types of protein, such as chicken, pork, beef, or even with seafood like shrimp or fish.
    • Pungent Aroma: The use of aromatic ingredients like galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves gives jungle curry a strong and pungent aroma.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Khao Soi
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This is a traditional curry from Northern Thailand, made with egg noodles and a coconut curry sauce. It is often served with chicken or beef and is a popular street food in Chiang Mai.
    Khao Soi is a traditional street food dish from Thailand that originated in the northern region. It is a rich and flavorful curry noodle soup that showcases a perfect blend of influences from Burmese and Thai cuisines. The dish typically features egg noodles, tender pieces of meat (such as chicken, beef, or pork), and a creamy, coconut-based curry broth. It is traditionally garnished with crispy fried noodles, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime for a tangy kick.
    • Region: Northern Thailand
    • Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Curry Paste, Coconut Milk, Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Pork)
    • Flavor Profile: Rich, Creamy, Spicy, Tangy
    • Garnishes: Crispy Fried Noodles, Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Thai Basil), Shallots, Lime
    • Spice Level: Varies (can be customized)
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Sour curry
    Xufanc · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This curry has a sour and tangy flavor, made with tamarind or lime juice. It is often served with fish and vegetables and is a popular dish in Southern Thailand.
    Sour curry, also known as Gaeng Som, is a popular Thai curry known for its tangy and sour flavor profile. It is a unique combination of spiciness, sourness, and sweetness. The rich and aromatic curry paste blends perfectly with the souring agents such as tamarind, lime juice, or vinegar, resulting in a refreshing and well-balanced dish.
    • Flavor profile: Tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet
    • Souring agents: Tamarind, lime juice, or vinegar
    • Key ingredients: Curry paste, fish or shrimp, vegetables (such as bamboo shoots, eggplant, or green papaya)
    • Optional ingredients: Pineapple, tomatoes, mushrooms
    • Common protein options: Fish, shrimp, chicken, or tofu
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    This curry has a rich and creamy sauce made with coconut milk, peanuts, and potatoes. It is often served with beef or lamb and has a slightly sweet taste.
    Mussaman curry is a popular Thai curry known for its rich and aromatic flavors. It is a hearty and creamy curry dish with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The dish has influences from Indian and Persian cuisine, resulting in a unique and distinct flavor profile. Mussaman curry usually includes meat (such as beef, chicken, or lamb), potatoes, onions, peanuts, and a blend of aromatic spices. The curry is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a deliciously comforting dish.
    • Flavor Profile: Rich, aromatic, sweet, spicy, and savory
    • Main Ingredients: Meat (beef, chicken, or lamb), potatoes, onions, peanuts, aromatic spices
    • Influences: Indian and Persian cuisine
    • Cooking Technique: Slow-cooked
    • Texture: Creamy and thick
  10. 10
    1
    votes

    Crab curry

    Thai cuisine
    This curry is made with fresh crab meat and a spicy sauce made with chilies, garlic, and ginger. It is a popular dish in coastal regions of Thailand and is often served with rice or noodles.
    Crab curry is a delectable Thai curry dish that features succulent crab meat cooked in a rich and aromatic curry sauce. The curry typically consists of a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, coconut milk, and various flavorful ingredients, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce that complements the tender crab meat perfectly. It is a popular seafood curry that is known for its bold and complex flavors.
    • Main Ingredient: Crab meat
    • Herbs and spices: Galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies
    • Curry paste: Made from a mixture of herbs, spices, and shrimp paste
    • Coconut milk: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the curry
    • Flavor profile: Spicy, savory, and mildly sweet

Missing your favorite curry?

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Ranking factors for popular curry

  1. Spice level
    Thai curries can range from mild to very spicy. The spice level should be taken into consideration as some people prefer mild curries while others like it very spicy.
  2. Availability of ingredients
    The availability of ingredients may vary depending on the location. Some curries may require harder-to-find ingredients, which can make it difficult to prepare and enjoy.
  3. Popularity
    The popularity of the curry can also be taken into consideration. Some curries may be more widely known and available than others.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Thai curry. 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

  • 1232 views
  • 115 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.

More information on most popular thai curry

Thai cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors, and one of the most popular dishes is undoubtedly Thai curry. Curry is an integral part of Thai cuisine, and the country has a wide variety of curries to offer. The base of Thai curry is a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, coconut milk, and a protein of your choice. The choice of protein ranges from chicken to beef to seafood, and even vegetarian options are available. Among the various Thai curries, the most popular ones are green, red, and yellow curry. Each of these curries has a distinct flavor and color, and they are made using different herbs and spices. The green curry is made using green chilies, while the red curry is made using red chilies. The yellow curry, on the other hand, is milder and has a more subtle flavor. With so many delicious options to choose from, it's no wonder that Thai curry is loved by people all over the world.

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