Thai Curry Guide
Red, green, yellow or Massaman – Thai cuisine has countless curries, and each one has its very own character. But which one is the hottest? Which is the mildest? And which one suits your taste? In this guide you'll find all the differences at a glance – and you're sure to find your new favorite curry.
Heat ranking: Which Thai curry is the hottest?
Many people think red is the hottest. But the color is deceiving! In fact, the order looks like this:
Good to know: The color of a Thai curry doesn't automatically tell you how hot it is. Unlike a traffic light, green is the hottest here – not red.
More on this: Which Thai curry is right for you? · For kids and anyone sensitive to heat: Thai curry without the heat
The 4 varieties in detail
Green Thai curry – fresh & fiery
Green Thai curry is the hottest of the four varieties. It stands out with a fresh, herbal aroma and a fiery heat that comes from fresh green chilies. Perfect for everyone who likes it properly spicy and wants to challenge their taste buds.
Red Thai curry – flavorful & balanced
Red Thai curry is the classic par excellence. Medium hot, slightly sweet and incredibly versatile – it's the perfect choice for everyone who wants to combine flavor with a pleasant kick. Tip: With a little peanut butter, it quickly turns into a creamy peanut curry.
Yellow Thai curry – mild & aromatic
Yellow Thai curry is pleasantly mildly spicy and gets its warm color and gentle aroma from turmeric. It's the ideal choice for curry beginners, for the whole family and for everyone who prefers aromatic over fiery.
Massaman curry – rich & gentle
Massaman is the mildest of our curries and something truly special: With spice influences from Persian and Indian cuisine, it offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor with notes of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for everyone who wants to enjoy the full flavor without much heat.
Thai curry too hot? Here's how to make it milder
Did your curry turn out hotter than expected? No problem – these tricks will help you get the heat under control:
- Coconut milk or cream: A splash of coconut milk or cream makes any curry creamier and milder.
- More vegetables: Extra vegetables spread the heat more evenly throughout the dish.
- A pinch of sweetness: A little sugar or honey can counteract the heat.
- Serve with rice: A side of rice absorbs some of the heat.
Prefer it the other way around – even hotter? Then simmer the sauce down a little or add fresh chilies or a splash of chili oil.
Frequently asked questions about Thai curry
Which Thai curry is the hottest?
Green Thai curry is the hottest of the classic varieties, as it is made with fresh green chilies. It's followed by red (medium hot), yellow (mildly spicy) and Massaman (the mildest).
What is the difference between red and green Thai curry?
Red Thai curry is milder and slightly sweet, while green Thai curry is hotter and fresher in flavor. Both are 100% plant-based and ready in just 3 minutes.
What is Massaman curry?
Massaman is a mild, aromatic Thai curry with spice influences from Persian and Indian cuisine, known for its rich flavor with notes of cardamom and cinnamon.
Are the Kooray curry sauces vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, all Kooray curry sauces are 100% plant-based, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-free – with no artificial additives.
How does Kooray instant curry work?
It's easy: pour the contents of the sachet into the pan, add water, add your favorite ingredients – and after 3 minutes your curry is ready.
Keep reading: our Thai curry guides
- Red, green, yellow or Massaman: Which Thai curry is right for you?
- Thai curry without the heat: mild and kid-friendly
- How hot is each Thai curry? Yellow, red, green and Massaman
- Curry paste or instant powder: Which is better for Thai curry?
- Thai curry without canned coconut milk
Can't decide?
No problem – just try all four varieties! With our Kooray Complete Bundle you get red, green, yellow and Massaman Thai curry in one package and can relax while you find your favorite.