Authentic Thai cuisine is comprised of a myriad of deliciously complex flavors. A few ingredients are frequently used to create these perfect combinations of salty, sweet, hot, and sour, and you’ve probably used a few of them yourself. To break them down to the basics, here are five of the most common ingredients in Thai food.

Top 5 Ingredients in Thai Cuisine

1. Coconut Milk

This nutritious mixture of hot water and strained coconut flesh is key to many rich, creamy dishes. With every order of tom kha soup or Thai curry is a healthy dose of coconut milk. As well as being a dairy alternative, coconut milk is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The sweet, nutty taste is mild and smooth, with a texture thicker than coconut water but thinner than milk.

2. Thai Chilies

Fresh chilies have been integrated thoroughly into Thai cuisine. From curry to stir fry to soup, Thai chilies add just the right amount of heat to many plates. Popular varieties range from the sweet green chili or prik yuak to the searing bird’s eye chili or prik kee noo suan.  

3. Fish Sauce

Made by fermenting fish with salt, this sauce is widely utilized and highly versatile. Pad Thai, Thai curry, dipping sauces, and even salads make use of its umami flavors. A little really does go a long way, and just the right amount will add a lightly salty, savory taste to your dish.

4. Tamarind Paste

Looking for a mouthwatering marinade that also works as a jam? Tamarind paste can do both. This lightly acidic, sour paste can balance out sweeter flavors. Tamarind in its original form is an equally sour, sticky fruit that commonly grows on trees in Asia.

5. Limes

Limes are nearly as frequently used as fish sauce. The leaves, juice, and zest all find their way into many Thai dishes. Its wonderful citrus aroma adds to its tart flavor, and like tamarind paste, the lime contributes acidic notes to curry pastes, seafood, fried rice, and grilled meats alike.

Now that you know what’s on your plate, head to Thailand Cuisine 2 in Kahului, HI for a taste. Order classics like chicken pad Thai or red curry shrimp, or try embark on a flavor adventure with something new. With a broad selection of noodles, soups, curries, and rice, along with abundant protein combinations, you’ll find a mouthwatering new favorite. Take a look at their menu online, or call (808) 873-0225 for more information about their Thai cuisine.