A Gastronomic Journey: How Indian Cuisine Influenced Thai Food

Indian cuisine has greatly influenced Thai food in many ways, and many dishes resemble each other's counterparts. As you go deeper into the northeastern states of India, you will find many dishes suited to the South Asian palette. This intricate connection can only be attributed to the vast cultural exchange that has taken place between seemingly distant societies. This blog will dive into the intricate flavours, techniques, and ingredients that highlight the profound impact of Indian culinary traditions on Thai cuisine.

Understanding ‌History 

To understand the fusion of Indian and Thai cuisines, we must unravel the historical connections between the two regions. Dating back to ancient times, Indian traders traversed the seas, journeying to Southeast Asia, including the lands that would later become Thailand. Alongside their merchandise, they carried a treasure trove of spices, cooking techniques, and culinary traditions.

Sharing of the Spices 

One of the most prominent legacies of Indian influence on Thai cuisine is the rich tapestry of spices and flavours. Indian traders introduced several spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom, to the region. These aromatic spices found their way into Thai kitchens, infusing dishes with depth, complexity, and a symphony of flavours. From fragrant curries to fiery stir-fries, Indian spices have become an integral part of the Thai culinary repertoire.

Curry Connection

Perhaps the most iconic manifestation of Indian influence on Thai cuisine is the curry. Thai curries, with their coconut milk base and unique spices, are very similar to Indian curries. The influence is evident in dishes like Massaman curry, a Thai favourite that traces its roots to Indian Muslim traders. With its harmonious blend of spices and tender meat, Massaman curry is a reminder of the vast culinary exchange between India and Thailand.

Techniques and Cooking Methods

Beyond spices and flavours, Indian culinary techniques have also left an indelible mark on Thai cooking. Stir-frying, deep-frying, and the use of aromatic pastes are all techniques that Thai chefs adopted from their Indian counterparts. Roti, a flatbread commonly found in Indian cuisine, has seamlessly integrated into Thai street food culture, served with savoury curries or sweet condensed milk.

In conclusion, the Indian influence on Thai food is a powerful mark of the deep cultural ties and the gastronomic power of culinary exchange. If you want to taste the spices, dishes and flavours with which Indian cuisine is fused into Thai cuisine, you must try the ready-to-eat collection of Thai curries by Moi Soi. Their Thai red curry and Thai green curry pastes use completely locally sourced and preservative-free ingredients, so that you can get an authentic Thai taste right in the comfort of your home. Visit Moi Soi to get your hands on their noodles, but do not miss their range of Chinese hot sauces either.