The Difference Between Thai Curries: Red vs Green Curries Explained

Jun 25

Bangkok Jam Thai Curries (Green and Red Curry)

Thai Red Curry vs Green Curry: What Defines Each Thai Curry and How They Differ

Thai curries are famous worldwide for their rich, aromatic blends of coconut milk and complex herb pastes. If you are exploring a Thai restaurant menu, you will almost always find red curry and green curry side by side. While they share a similar base of coconut cream, their taste profiles, heat levels, and ingredients are distinct.

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The Quick Answer: What is the difference between red and green curry?

The main difference between red or green Thai curry is the type of chilies used to make the base paste. Green curry is made with fresh green bird's eye chilies, which give it a bright, herbaceous, and sweet-savory flavor profile. Red curry is made with dried red chilli, which give it a deeper, smokier, and more robust savory flavor profile. Traditionally, green curry tends to be sharper and spicier because of the fresh green chilies, while red curry offers a more consistent, lingering heat.

The Key Differences Broken Down

To understand how these two dishes compare, you have to look at the ingredients pounded into the curry paste.

Green Curry: Bright and Sweet-Savoury

The Paste Base: Pounded fresh green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime zest, coriander roots, and cumin seeds.
The Taste Profile: It has a distinctively sweet and fragrant taste. The fresh chilies combined with sweet basil create a bright flavor that balances perfectly with creamy coconut milk.
Traditional Pairings: Usually served with Thai brinjal (eggplant) and lighter meats like chicken or seafood.

Red Curry: Deep and Boldly Savoury

The Paste Base: A large amount of dried red chilies soaked in water, blended with shallots, garlic, galangal, and shrimp paste.
The Taste Profile: It is heavily savory, earthy, and bold. The dried chilies lend a beautiful crimson color and a rich, subtle smokiness rather than an instant, sharp bite.
Traditional Pairings: Works beautifully with heavier meats like beef, duck, or hearty vegetables like mushrooms.

Taste the Best of Both Traditions at Bangkok Jam

If you prefer the sweet, herbaceous aroma of green chilies or the deep flavor of dried red chilies, Bangkok Jam prepares both options flawlessly. We also offer amazing plant-based versions so everyone can join the feast.

Here are our signature curry bowls you can order directly from our menu:

Classic Green Curry (Kaeng Kheaw Wan): This traditional favorite features authentic Thai brinjal. You can customize your bowl with your choice of chicken or juicy prawns.
Green Curry Beef (Kaeng Rawang Neua): This option pairs our aromatic green paste with tender beef slices for an incredible flavor contrast.
Classic Red Curry (Kaeng Phed): Our robust red curry comes packed with grilled mushrooms and acacia pennata. It is fully customizable with chicken, beef, or prawns.
Vegan Green Curry (Kaeng Kheaw Wann J): This plant-based masterpiece offers the same fragrant green heat. You can choose a wholesome vegetable mix or premium Shandi Global plant-based chicken.
Vegan Red Curry (Kaeng Phed J): This savory plant-based red curry can be ordered with mixed vegetables or delicious, bouncy Happie Prawniee.

Ready to find your favorite curry? Take a look at our full to explore all our vibrant dishes and plan your next dining experience. See full menu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Thai curry is the spiciest?

Traditionally, green curry is the spiciest of the main Thai curries because it relies on fresh green bird's eye chilies. Red curry uses dried chilies, which offer a deeper flavor but a slightly more manageable heat level. However, spice levels can always be adjusted by the chef based on your preferences.

What gives Thai green curry its color?

The beautiful color of green curry comes entirely from fresh green bird's eye chilies and fresh Thai basil leaves pounded into the paste. No artificial coloring is used in authentic Thai cooking.

Are Thai red and green curries gluten-free?

Most authentic Thai curry pastes are naturally gluten-free as they are made from herbs, chilies, and spices. However, some variations use soy sauce or specific seasonings.

Can't decide on what to order between red curry and green curry? Taste both green and red styles at our traditional Thai restaurant Bangkok Jam. Whether you prefer a spicy kick from Thailand or a milder type of curry, enjoy authentic Thai food right now!