Thai Curry Paste Buying Guide for an Authentic Thai Dish

Craving a fragrant, creamy Thai curry without spending hours in the kitchen? The secret to a successful dish often comes down to a single ingredient: an excellent Thai curry paste. But between green, red, yellow, and a jungle of brands, it can be hard to choose. Which one is right for your tastes and the recipe you have in mind?

As a product expert for Joybuy, I test and select the very best for your kitchen. My mission: to guide you with clear advice so you can make the right choice. This guide gets straight to the point: demystifying curry pastes and sharing our top picks for making a delicious and easy Thai curry at home.

How to Choose the Right Thai Curry Paste

Before you buy a curry paste, a few simple criteria will help you make the right choice. Here are the two essential points for finding the perfect paste that will elevate your dishes.

1. Colour: A Matter of Taste and Intensity

The first thing that stands out is the colour. And for good reason: it determines not only the flavour but also the level of heat.

• Green Curry Paste: Made from fresh green chillies, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, this is typically the brightest and spiciest. Its profile is fresh, herbaceous, and intensely aromatic. It's the base for the famous green curry with chicken and Thai eggplants.
• Red Curry Paste: Crafted from dried red chillies, it offers a deeper, rounder flavour and moderate heat. Less aggressive than the green, it's very versatile and pairs wonderfully with beef, duck, or shrimp.
• Yellow Curry Paste: This is the mildest of the trio. Its colour and flavour come mainly from turmeric, complemented by spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon. It's ideal for those new to Thai cuisine or who prefer milder dishes.

2. The Ingredients: A Guarantee of Authentic Flavours

A quick look at the ingredient list says a lot about a paste's quality. Favour recipes with traditional ingredients: lemongrass, galangal (a cousin of ginger), kaffir lime zest, and garlic. Some contain shrimp paste (kapi), a pillar of Thai cuisine, but many vegetarian options exist. Reputable brands like Mae Ploy or Cock Brand are reliable choices for an authentic taste.

Top Curry Paste Recommendations

To get you started, here are our three recommendations. Each has a distinct character to inspire your next Thai curries.

Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste 400g

What sets it apart

Mae Ploy's green curry paste is THE benchmark for anyone wanting to experience the authentic taste of Thai green curry. Rich in fresh green chillies, lemongrass, and galangal, its composition delivers a complex flavour that is both spicy and highly fragrant. Importantly, it is suitable for vegetarian diets.

Advantages

• Intense and spicy aromatic profile, true to the traditional Thai curry recipe.
• Very versatile: perfect for curries, but also for stir-fries and marinades.
• Economical 400g size, ideal for regular use.

For whom? For fans of bold flavours who want to prepare an authentic green curry with chicken, tofu, or vegetables. An excellent choice for those who have already mastered the basics of Thai cooking and aren't afraid of a little heat.

See Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste 400g

Cock Brand Red Curry Paste 400g

What sets it apart

The red curry paste from Cock Brand stands out with its recipe containing 28% dried red chillies. The result: a deep colour and a rich flavour, without being overpowering. It's a reliable and balanced base for a multitude of dishes, from a classic beef curry to a more original duck with lychees.

Advantages

• Rich, deep flavour with a moderate, very approachable heat.
• Classic ingredients for an authentic Thai cuisine base.
• Dissolves perfectly in coconut milk for a beautifully creamy sauce.

For whom? Ideal for those who enjoy flavourful but controlled heat. It's perfect for a creamy and fragrant red curry, and its versatility makes it a pantry essential for exploring new recipes.

See Cock Brand Red Curry Paste 400g

Cock Brand Yellow Curry Paste 400g

What sets it apart

Cock Brand's yellow curry paste is the mildest option. Its star ingredient, turmeric, gives it a beautiful golden colour and a warm, almost earthy flavour. Enhanced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers a comforting and low-heat aromatic profile, which explains its popularity in dishes with chicken and potatoes.

Advantages

• Mild and fragrant flavour, suitable for all palates, even the most sensitive (including children).
• Warm, rounded notes thanks to turmeric and a blend of spices.
• Excellent base for a quick and easy Thai curry.

For whom? The perfect option for a gentle introduction to Thai flavours or for family meals. We recommend it to anyone who is wary of overly spicy food but doesn't want to compromise on fragrance.

See Cock Brand Yellow Curry Paste 400g

Looking for other options?

Want to explore further? Thai cuisine is full of treasures, like Massaman paste (mild and complex) or Panang (thicker, with notes of peanuts). To explore these flavours or discover other brands, take a look at our complete selection.

Discover our entire range of Thai Spice Pastes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much curry paste should I use? As a general rule, use one to two tablespoons of paste for 400 ml of coconut milk (one standard can or carton). The secret: first, fry the paste for a few moments in a little oil or in the solid part of the coconut milk to release all its aromas. Then add the rest of the liquid. Taste and adjust to your liking. It's better to start slow: it's always easier to add more than to take it away!

2. Are Thai curry pastes always very spicy? No, their heat level varies enormously. To put it simply: green curry paste is generally the hottest, followed by red. Yellow curry paste is the mildest. Read the product description carefully and, when in doubt, use a light hand at first.

3. How do I store curry paste after opening? Once the jar is opened, store it in the refrigerator, tightly sealed. The thin layer of oil that forms on the surface is normal and helps protect the paste. It will keep for several weeks, or even months. For more details, refer to the instructions on the packaging.