Even if you’re fairly experienced with Thai cuisine, you might not be familiar with the sheer variety of curries there are to try. Each uses its own unique combination of ingredients, including spices, herbs, vegetables, and meats. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or savory dishes, there’s a curry for you. Here’s what you should know about the most common types of Thai curries.

4 Different Types of Thai Curry

1. Yellow Curry

Yellow curry is marked by its relatively mild flavor, which makes it a good entry point for first-timers, and a safe choice for diners who tend to avoid spicier dishes. It generally contains turmeric, yellow mustard seeds, cumin, kaffir lime leaves and juice, and nutmeg. Various regions of Thailand have their own take on the dish, but the most common recipe involves coconut milk, which gives the curry a rich flavor. Potatoes and onions are added to soak in the sauce, giving you a mouthwatering taste with every bite.

2. Green Curry

Are you a fan of spicy foods? Order green curry, which is considered the spiciest variety of curry found in Thai cuisine. It’s also one of the sweetest curries, due to the high amount of added coconut milk it contains. To achieve its vibrant green base, this curry is made with green chilies, turmeric, garlic, Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, and blue ginger. Eggplant is a popular addition.

3. Red Curry

The bright red base of red curry hints at the dish’s spiciness, but it’s also rather sweet and savory. A healthy portion of crushed red chilies is mixed with lemongrass, fish paste, blue ginger, shallots, and garlic. Coconut milk is mixed in to create the soupy consistency common to many of the curries found in Thai cuisine.

4. Panang Curry

Like red curry, Panang curry gets its color from red chili peppers. However, this variant uses notably fewer chilies and thus has a subtler, less spicy flavor. Originally from Penang Island, the dish incorporates many of the same ingredients as red curry with the addition of peanuts and coconut cream. The final product is sweet with a spicy kick.

Craving authentic Thai and Vietnamese food in the Anchorage, AK area? Pho’ Vietnam offers both with dine-in and carry-out options. This restaurant serves an array of mouthwatering dishes, from pho and Vietnamese-style crepes to Thai curry and stir fry. Their chefs use only the finest ingredients to bring you the best of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Take a look at their full menu online. To inquire about a specific dish or place a carry-out order, call (907) 929-9938.