Curry has been enjoyed for centuries by cultures both in Asia and around the world. If you’re looking for a new dish to try at your local Thai or Vietnamese restaurant, curry should be at the top of your list. Here’s a quick look at curry and how it came to be.

What is Curry?

The word curry can be referring to the dish, featured in many Asian restaurants, or the powder. Curry powder is made up of several Asian spices. Common spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, and ginger.

As a dish, curry refers to a mixture of meat and vegetables cooked in curry spice. It’s usually served with flatbread or rice. While most curry dishes are made with some sort of creamy liquid to produce a stew or sauce, you can find dry curry dishes as well. In curry dishes, the color can vary. For instance, popular Thai curries include red, green, yellow, and brown varieties.

Where Did Curry Come From?

The word “curry” is derived from the Tamil word “kari,” meaning “sauce” or “relish for rice.” Curry is believed to have originated in India. Over time, localized variants appeared throughout Southeast Asia, in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Starting in the 17th century, British traders brought curry home with them, where it quickly became a hit. In the 19th century, the British started producing their own curry powders. When the British traveled, they took curry spice with them, helping spread curry’s popularity to other regions, such as Japan.

If you’re craving great curry, stop in at Mamasan’s restaurant in Rochester, NY. Mamasan’s features a menu of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, including curry. If you’re looking to explore new foods, Mamasan’s offers a variety of Asian staples. They’ve been proudly serving the area since 1984. Visit their website to view their menu or call them at (585) 461-3290 to place an order.