culinary treasures

⚲ THAI CUISINE

 

Thai Green Curry

 

When it comes to Thai cuisine, few dishes capture the soul of Thailand quite like Green Curry – or as locals call it, Gaeng Kieow Wan. With its creamy texture, vibrant green hue, and spicy-sweet flavor, this beloved curry is a must-try for any traveler looking to dive deeper into Thailand’s culinary heritage. Let’s take you beyond the plate with a bit of background, the ingredients that make this dish special, a simple recipe to try at home, and an insider tip you won’t find in guidebooks.

 


Green Curry originated during the early 20th century, believed to have been developed in Central Thailand. The name “green” refers not only to the color of the dish but also to the fresh green chilies used in the curry paste. It’s typically hotter than red curry but balanced with sweetness from coconut milk and aromatic Thai herbs.

 

Unlike some Thai dishes that are region-specific, Green Curry is widely enjoyed across the country. However, each region – and even each household – may have their own twist on it.

 

INGREDIENTS:  (serves 2–3):

For the curry paste (or use ready-made):

  • 10 fresh green Thai chilies (adjust for heat)
  • 1 shallot
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (finely sliced)
  • Zest of 1 kaffir lime (or regular lime if needed)
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • A pinch of white pepper
  • 1 tbsp shrimp paste (or miso for a vegetarian version)
  • Handful of Thai sweet basil leaves (optional)

For the curry:

  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 200g chicken thigh or tofu (cubed)
  • 1 cup Thai eggplants (quartered) or zucchini as a substitute
  • 1–2 kaffir lime leaves (torn)
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegans)
  • 1 tsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • Handful of Thai basil leaves for garnish
  • Cooked jasmine rice to serve

 

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

  • Make the paste: If making from scratch, pound all the curry paste ingredients in a mortar and pestle until smooth. Alternatively, blend them or use a quality store-bought paste from a Thai brand.

  • Cook the paste: In a wok or saucepan over medium heat, spoon in 2 tbsp of the thick part of the coconut milk and fry the curry paste until aromatic – around 2-3 minutes.

  • Add protein: Add your chicken or tofu and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly cooked.

  • Simmer: Pour in the remaining coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add eggplants, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and sugar.

  • Cook through: Simmer for 10 minutes or until everything is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning – Thai cuisine is all about balance: sweet, salty, and spicy.

  • Finish with herbs: Add Thai basil just before serving and stir through for fragrance.

  • Serve: Ladle over jasmine rice and enjoy your homemade journey into Thai flavors.

 

In Northern Thailand, for instance, you might find versions of Green Curry that use local herbs like pak waan or wild betel leaves for a regional flair. In Bangkok, the dish is often richer and more coconut-forward.

 

Insider Tip : While it’s easy to fall in love with Green Curry at a restaurant, nothing beats learning to make it with a local. On our immersive food experiences, you’ll visit bustling markets to pick your own ingredients, grind fresh paste with a local chef, and discover little secrets – like which coconut milk gives the creamiest texture or how to tame the spice just right. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a local cooking class to learn how to make it yourself! It’s a beautiful way to connect with Thai culture hands-on. Book your Thai Cooking Class online.

 

Ready to cook, eat, and explore with us? Let’s create your own Thai culinary adventure. Got questions? Want us to handle the bookings? Or wish to get your personalized exclusice Ininerary? Just reach out. Let's create an Insider Trip that goes beyond the postcards and becomes a story you'll tell for years to come. Your next Adventure is waiting.


Recommend by your Thai Insider.

𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗦.
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.

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𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴, 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵.