Spice Showdown: Is Thai Green Curry Hotter than Thai Red Curry

 

Traditionally, Thai curries have a distinct hot flavour, but finding out which one is hotter than the other requires carefully trained taste buds. Or you can go behind the scenes and check the detailed ingredient list to decide which of the two has more spicy ingredients. This blog is going to do both and embark on a culinary quest to settle the age-old debate: Is Thai red curry hotter than Thai green curry? Get ready for a mouthwatering exploration of Asian flavours and a journey into the heart of Thai cuisine.

Understanding Thai Curries

Before we dive into the heated showdown, let's dissect the chemistry behind Thai curries. Both curries share a base of aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. The real kicker, though, lies in the chillies and the taste of the curries is widely dependent on the chillies used in the preparation. A green Thai curry in the southern villages of Thailand will be a lot more spicy than what you get at an average green Thai curry in Bangkok. 

The Green Curry 

Green curry surely earns its reputation as the fiery contender, as it is packed with green chillies. Thus, it brings with it a vibrant and intense heat. The combination of bird’s eye chilli and other green varieties creates a richness of spices that can leave your taste buds tingling for water.

The Red Curry

On the flip side, the red Thai curry gets its name from the distinct dried red chillies. It imparts a mellower heat compared to its green counterpart. The dried chillies provide a deep earthy flavour without the upfront punch of spiciness. The curry also generally contains coconut milk, making it softer for sensitive pallets. This rich combination provides for a slow burn rather than an immediate explosion.

Now for the science enthusiasts, let us dive into capsaicin - the active compound responsible for the heat of the chilly. Green chillies, being fresher, often contain more capsaicin than dried chillies. This explains why green curry tends to bring a more immediate and intense heat experience. The spiciness also depends on individual tastes, as it is very subjective.  

In conclusion, due to fresh green chillies and more capsaicin, green chillies emerge as the ones with more heat but red curry is not behind as it provides a comfortable aftertaste. If you are looking for authentic Asian flavours right from the comfort of your home, have a look at the collection by Moi Soi. They display a range of authentic flavours, ranging from Thai curries to ready-to-eat wheat noodles and sauces. They use locally sourced products and are vegan and gluten-free as well. Visit Moi Soi to taste authentic Asian dishes and embark on a new culinary journey towards healthy RTE foods.