A Guide to Identifying Which Thai Curry Is Spiciest

Thai Curry Spices

You might be wondering Which Thai Curry Is Spiciest? Spicy, flavorful curries are one of the staples of Thai cuisine, but which is the spiciest? From green and red to yellow and Massaman. This guide will help you decide which Thai curry will bring the biggest punch to your plate.

The Heat Scale of Thai Curries: Which Thai Curry Is Spiciest

Thai cuisine delights taste buds with its special mix of flavors and spices, especially its famous curry dishes. But with so many different types of Thai curry available, it can be difficult to determine which one packs the most heat. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the spiciness level of different Thai curries, so you can choose the one that best suits your palate.

Thai Curry VariantSpice Level
Jungle CurryVery High
Green CurryHigh
Red CurryMedium-High
Yellow CurryMedium
Penang CurryMedium
Masaman CurryMild
Please note that the spiciness level can vary depending on the cook and the recipe. Some people may find Green curry to be very spicy while others may find it to be mild.

In authentic Thai cuisine, green curry consistently carries more heat than red curry. Additionally, the level of spiciness varies across regions. Green curry originating from Southern Thailand, excluding tourist spots, tends to be notably spicier. This heightened heat is attributed to the inclusion of Bird’s Eye chilies, renowned for their intense spiciness. Genuine Bird’s Eye chilies, smaller and far spicier than the varieties often mislabeled in UK supermarkets, contribute to the fiery kick of authentic green curry.

So, there you have it, a quick breakdown of the spiciness level of various Thai curries. Remember that the spiciness can vary depending on the cook and the recipe. So if you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask your server or the chef before ordering.

No matter which curry you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and spices that make Thai cuisine so unique and beloved. Now we will further break down each Thai curry.

Thai Curry Is Spiciest

Red Curry – Perfect for Beginners

The most common type of Thai curry, red curry is a great choice for those just beginning to explore the world of spicy Thai cuisine. It is made from red chilies and has a base of coconut milk and garlic. Red curry has a mild heat that comes from the chilies and galangal. With a hint of sweetness from the coconut milk. It’s perfect for adding just a little bit of spice without overwhelming your taste buds!

Red curry, or ‘gaeng phed,’ holds a significant place in Thai cuisine, believed to have roots in Central Thailand. It consists of a paste crafted from red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and spices, simmered with coconut milk, meats, and veggies. This flavorful dish emerged in the late 19th century with the arrival of chilies brought by Portuguese traders.

Panang Curry – Medium Level Spice

Panang curry, an intense orange-colored dish, derives its name from the city of Phanaeng in Thailand. While it’s still considered mild-medium spicy, this creamy, peanutty-flavored curry surely offers more kick than red curry. It’s made with Thai bird chilies, bringing a spicy punch (though not as strong as you might think). So, if you’re not used to spicy food, take it easy!

Panang curry, also recognized as ‘gaeng phanaeng,’ traces its roots to the central region of Thailand. Crafted from a paste blending dried red chilies, peanuts, lemongrass, and spices, it’s cooked with coconut milk, meats, and veggies. A variation of red curry, Panang curry delights with its rich, peanutty taste and slightly thicker texture.

Yellow Curry – Mild but Filling Taste

Yellow curry is known for its mild intensity and still provides a wonderfully rich flavor. It’s the ideal curry to try if you’re not used to eating spicy food yet. When cooked, it has a thicker consistency than other Thai curries, thanks to coconut milk which gives it a creamy texture and creamy yellow hue. To give your yellow curry an extra kick, try adding some Thai chilies or red chili powder!

Yellow curry, or ‘gaeng kari,’ hails from southern Thailand and draws influence from Indian curry. Crafted from a paste blending yellow chilies, turmeric, lemongrass, and spices, it’s simmered with coconut milk, meats, and veggies. Known for its gentle, slightly sweet taste and creamy texture, yellow curry offers a delightful dining experience

Massaman Curry – Mysterious and Sweetly Spicy Flavor

Massaman curry is at the opposite end of the heat spectrum from Yellow curry. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than other curries, thanks to its unique blend of spices that includes peanuts, tamarind paste and cinnamon — far different from the garlic, chili and ginger mix that’s typical for most Thai curries. In addition to its distinct flavor. Massaman offers an intense level of spice thanks to a generous kick from chili peppers. If you want something that packs a big punch while still remaining flavorful and fragrant, this is definitely worth a try!


Massaman curry, also known as ‘gaeng massaman,’ likely originated from southern Thailand, influenced by Indian and Persian curry styles. It’s a delightful dish made from a paste of roasted peanuts, tamarind paste, cinnamon, and spices. We simmer meats and veggies in creamy coconut milk with this paste. Renowned for its sweet, nutty flavor and robust spiciness, Massaman curry offers a culinary delight.

Jungle (Kaeng Pa) Curry – Not for the Faint of Heart!

When looking for which thai curry is the spiciest, Jungle Curry is up there. On the extreme end of the heat scale, it doesn’t get much spicier than Jungle or Kaeng Pa curry. This dish is made with just chilli peppers, salt and fish sauce and traditionally includes a mix of exotic vegetables like bamboo shoots and Thai eggplant. While not as flavorful as some of its cousins, it definitely brings the heat! If you want to try your hand at making this unique curry yourself, be sure to temper the spiciness with generous servings of rice or vegetables.

Jungle curry, also known as Kaeng Pa, is a type of curry that originates from Northern Thailand. It is made with a variety of vegetables and a high amount of chilies. Giving it a very high level of spiciness. The origins of Jungle curry can be traced back to the 19th century. When it was first introduced by Thai immigrants in Malaysia and Singapore.

Conclusion: Which Thai Curry Is Spiciest

In conclusion, exploring the world of spicy Thai curries can be a tantalizing and delicious journey. Each curry has its own unique blend of flavors and level of heat, from the mild and sweet Yellow curry to the fiery and exotic Jungle curry.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned spicy food enthusiast, there’s a Thai curry out there for everyone. By understanding the different types of curries and their origins, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on which curry to order and enjoy the full spectrum of Thai cuisine. So go forth, and spice up your life with some delicious Thai curry!

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