The Ultimate List of Best Thai Spices

When it comes to Thai cuisine, the flavors are intense and complex. Aromatic spices like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and cilantro are essential in creating the unique flavor profile of Thai food. While some of these spices can be found at your local grocery store, others may require a trip to an Asian market. Here is a list of some of the most common Thai spices and where to find them.

Jump to:

• What are Thai Spices?
• Why Is Thai Food Spicy?
• List Of Commonly Used Spices In Thai Cuisine.
• 1. Makrut Lime Leaves (Kaffir Lime)
• 2. Coriander Powder Or Clinatro (Pak Chee)
• 3. Cumin (P̄hng Yī̀h̄r̀ā)
• 4. Fennel (Mĕd Yī̀h̄r̀ā)
• 5. Fenugreek (ฟีนูกรีก)
• 6. Cardamom (Krawaan)
• 7. Cloves (Kānphlū)
• 8. Peppercorns (Phrikthịy)
• 9. Star Anise (Pó Ykạ́k)
• 10. Thai Ginger (Galangal)
• 11. Garlic (Kratheīym)
• 12. Chili Flakes Or Chili Powder (Prik Bon)
• 13. Mustard (Mạs̄tār̒d)
• 14. Nutmeg (Lūk Cạnthn̒theṣ̄)
• People Also Ask [FAQs]
• Wrap Up: List of Thai Spices

What are Thai Spices?

Thai spices are a unique blend of flavors that are used in Thai cooking. The most commonly used Thai spice is chili flakes or powder, which adds heat and flavor to dishes.

Other spices include ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and fenugreek. These spices are used to create a complex and flavorful cuisine. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. 

One of the best things about Thai spices is that they are easy to find. You can find most spices at your local grocery store or Asian spice market.

If you prefer the ease of ordering, you can even order them online. These spices make a great addition to your spice cabinet, and they can be used in many different cuisines.

So what are you waiting for? Get cooking with Thai spices today!

Why Is Thai Food Spicy?

Thai food is known for its spicy flavors. But what makes Thai food so spicy?

One of the main reasons Thai food is so spicy is because of the use of chilies. Thai cuisine uses a variety of different chilies, which give Thai food its characteristic spicy flavor.

Another reason Thai food is spicy is because Thai cuisine makes heavy use of spices. Thai spices are known for their intense flavors, which can really spice up a dish.

Some of the most common Thai spices include:

• Thai chili powder
• Coriander seed
• Cumin seed
• Cardamom pods
• Black peppercorns
• Cloves

List Of Commonly Used Spices In Thai Cuisine.

Thai cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and Thai spices are the soul of Thai food. Thai people use a variety of Thai spices for their dishes. They include chili peppers, peppercorns, cumin, coriander seed and curry powder among others.

The best way to learn about Thai spices is to experiment with them in your own cooking. Below is a list of Thai spices that are commonly used in Thai cuisine.

1. Makrut Lime Leaves (Kaffir Lime)

• Makrut lime leaves are a popular herb for making green curry paste.
• The leaves have a citrusy, peppery flavor and are used to add flavor to curries, soups, and stir-fries.
• Makrut lime leaves are also used to make Thai iced tea.

2. Coriander Powder Or Clinatro (Pak Chee)

• Coriander powder is a ground spice made from the seeds of the Coriander plant.
• It has a fragrant, citrusy taste and is used in both sweet and savory dishes.
• Some popular selections of food that include cilantro or coriander are green curry, red curry, massaman curry, pad Thai, and tom yum soup.

3. Cumin (P̄hng Yī̀h̄r̀ā)

• Traditional Thai cuisine is known for its complex flavors, and cumin is one of the spices that contribute to this flavor profile.
• Cumin has a warm, earthy taste and a slightly pungent aroma.
• It's also a rich source of essential minerals like iron, manganese, and magnesium.

4. Fennel (Mĕd Yī̀h̄r̀ā)

• Fennel is an aromatic spice that is used in Thai cooking. It has a licorice-like flavor and is believed to have many health benefits.
• Fennel is a popular ingredient in Thai curries and soups. It can also be used to flavor fish, poultry, and vegetables.
• Thai fennel (ฟองเตี้ย) is different from the European variety and has a more pronounced aniseed flavor. It is available fresh or dried and can be found in most Thai supermarkets.

5. Fenugreek (ฟีนูกรีก)

• Fenugreek is a popular spice that is used in many Thai dishes.
• It has a unique flavor that is often enjoyed by Thai food lovers.
• Additionally, Fenugreek offers several benefits such as aiding in digestion and helping to control blood sugar levels.

6. Cardamom (Krawaan)

• Cardamom is an aromatic spice that is often used in cooking.
• It has a pungent, earthy aroma and a slightly sweet taste.
• Cardamom is also a rich source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Cloves (Kānphlū)

• One of the most common spices found in the Thai Kitchen is cloves, lending a warm and spicy bite to dishes.
• They are also used as a digestive aid and have anti-inflammatory properties. Cloves taste slightly sweet and pungent with a hint of bitterness.
• They can be eaten fresh or ground into a powder. Cloves are high in antioxidants and provide numerous health benefits.

8. Peppercorns (Phrikthịy)

• Peppercorns are used in meat-based Thai curries or spicy stir-fries.
• Peppercorns have a slightly spicy and peppery taste.
• Peppercorns can help to improve digestion and stimulate the appetite.

9. Star Anise (Pó Ykạ́k)

• Star Anise is an important spice found in Thai kitchen that has a unique flavor and a variety of potential health benefits.
• This spice is used to add flavor to cooking, and it is also sometimes used as a medicinal herb.
• Star Anise has a sweet, licorice-like flavor, and it is commonly used in recipes that call for black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Some potential health benefits of star anise include reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and fighting against infection.
• This spice is also a good source of minerals like manganese and iron, as well as vitamins like vitamin C and B6.
• Star anise can be purchased at most grocery stores.

10. Thai Ginger (Galangal)

• Thai ginger, also known as galangal, is a rhizome that is used to make delicious recipes such as panang curry and green curry.
• It has a woody, peppery taste and is used to add flavor to dishes or to make broths.
• Galangal is also believed to have health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation.

11. Garlic (Kratheīym)

• Garlic is a spice that is used in most Thai dishes, particularly when making yellow curry.
• Fresh garlic is used in Thai curries, while fresh garlic and powder is used in Thai stir-fries.
• Garlic has a strong, pungent flavor that is a favorite of many chefs around the world.
• Garlic is also believed to have health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• If you are looking to add some Thai flavor to your cooking, be sure to add garlic to your spice rack.

12. Chili Flakes Or Chili Powder (Prik Bon)

• Chili flakes or powder are often used in traditional Thai food preparation to add spice and heat to dishes. Chili powder is made from ground chili peppers, and it has a slightly different flavor than chili flakes.
• Both chili powder and chili flakes can be used to add heat and flavor to dishes. In Thailand food preparation often uses a combination of both chili powder and chili flakes to create a dish that is both flavorful and spicy.
• When it comes to Thai spices, there are a few key ingredients that you will need in order to create signature Thai dishes. Chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass are all essential ingredients for making delicious Thai food. These spices add flavor and heat to Thai dishes.

13. Mustard (Mạs̄tār̒d)

• Mustard has a strong aroma and is used to add heat to dishes.
• Mustard also has some health benefits, including being high in antioxidants and helping to improve digestion.

14. Nutmeg (Lūk Cạnthn̒theṣ̄)

• Nutmeg has a warm, nutty taste and is said to be beneficial for the digestive system.
• Nutmeg can be used in both savory and sweet products. It is a popular ingredient in curries, sauces, and desserts.
• Nutmeg is available whole or ground. Ground nutmeg is more commonly used in Thai cooking. Thai cooks often use a mortar and pestle to grind spices such as nutmeg. This gives the dish a more authentic flavor.

People Also Ask [FAQs]

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Wrap Up: List of Thai Spices

• Thai Spices have been used for a variety of purposes, from cooking Thai food to adding flavor to chicken and more.
• Thai cuisine relies heavily on spices like ginger, garlic, coriander, chili pepper, peppercorns, cumin, makrut lime, and fennel.
• If you are looking for authentic flavors in your dishes but don't know where to start, consider adding these spices to your spice rack.
• I am sure you'll be able to create delicious Thai dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.