The BEST and WORST Thai Curry Paste - Taste Test!

TL;DR

The host conducts a blind taste test to determine the best brand of Thai curry paste and provides recommendations based on flavor and spice level.

Transcript

Sawaddee Ka, welcome to hot Thai Kitchen  Thai curry is popular all over the world so much   so that my most popular video is my green curry  video and the question that I get asked a lot is   what is the best brand of Thai curry paste because  let's face it most of us are not gonna make it   from scratch Thai people included and my answer  usually... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌶️ Thai curry paste is popular globally, prompting the question of the best brand. A blind taste test was conducted using five commonly available brands of red curry paste.
• 🌾 The chosen brands had a good reputation, long-standing presence in the market, and a natural ingredient list without any additives.
• 🦐 Mae Ploy was the go-to brand, but it contains shrimp paste and may not be suitable for vegetarians.
• 🥥 Aroy-D and Namjai were also top picks with good flavor profiles and versatility. Aroy-D is a milder option, while Namjai is similar to Mae Ploy.
• 🔍 Thai Kitchen, commonly found in non-Asian stores, performed poorly in the taste test, being weak and dilute.
• 🍳 Adjustments may be needed when using store-bought curry paste to achieve desired flavor profiles.
• 🍛 Making a complete curry using the top and bottom picks confirmed the differences in flavor and intensity.
• 💡 There is a significant range in flavor and quality among different brands of red curry paste, emphasizing the importance of tasting and adjusting seasoning when cooking.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the top three brands of Thai curry paste according to the blind taste test?

According to the blind taste test, the top three brands of Thai curry paste are Mae Ploy, Namjai, and Aroy-D.

Q: What factors did the host consider when choosing the brands for the taste test?

The host chose brands that are widely available outside of Thailand, have a good reputation, and contain real food ingredients without additives.

Q: How did the taste and flavor of Thai Kitchen curry paste compare to the other brands?

Thai Kitchen curry paste was ranked as the worst in terms of flavor and strength. It was found to be mild and watery compared to the other brands.

Q: Why did the host choose red curry paste for the taste test?

Red curry paste was chosen because it is the most basic and versatile type of curry paste, widely available, and commonly used in recipes.

Q: What adjustments were made to the Thai Kitchen curry paste to improve its flavor?

More paste and fish sauce were added to the Thai Kitchen curry paste to enhance its flavor and bring it closer to the level of the top brands.

Q: Why is it important to adjust the amount of curry paste when using different brands?

Different brands of curry paste have varying levels of spiciness, flavor, and saltiness. Adjusting the amount ensures the desired taste and consistency in the final dish.

Q: What brand of curry paste does the host usually use in her recipes?

The host usually uses Mae Ploy or Aroy-D curry paste in her recipes, as they have been her go-to brands due to their flavor and versatility.

Q: If someone cannot find the top three brands recommended, what should they consider when choosing a different brand?

When choosing a different brand of curry paste, they should look for one that suits their taste preferences, adjust the amount used if necessary, and be prepared for potential differences in flavor and spice level.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The host conducts a blind taste test of five popular brands of red curry paste.

• She ranks the brands based on flavor, spice level, and overall satisfaction.

• She concludes that Mae Ploy, Namjai, and Aroy-D are the top three brands to choose, but adjustments may be needed if using other brands.