Curry Paste Buying Guide and Recommendations

The selection of curry pastes on the market can be overwhelming. Whether for a fiery Indian curry, an aromatic Thai dish, or a mild Japanese Kare Raisu, the right paste is the foundation for a successful dish. But which one is right for your culinary project?

This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision. We will introduce different types of curry pastes and provide specific product recommendations to help you find the ideal curry paste for your kitchen.

What to Look for When Buying Curry Paste

To find the right curry paste, three criteria are particularly helpful: the country of origin, the heat level, and the application method.

1. Country of Origin Defines the Flavour

The flavour profile of a curry paste is significantly shaped by its regional origin. The three best-known varieties come from India, Thailand, and Japan.

• Indian Curry Paste: These pastes are often based on a blend of onions, garlic, and ginger, enriched with a variety of dried and ground spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chilli. They create deep, earthy, and complex flavours that intensify when fried.
• Thai Curry Paste: In contrast to the Indian variety, the focus here is on fresh ingredients. Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh chillies give these pastes a bright, fragrant, and often spicy aroma. The best-known types are red, green, and yellow curry paste.
• Japanese Curry Paste: Japanese curry, also known as "Kare," is typically milder and slightly sweet. It is usually sold in the form of solid roux blocks containing flour, fats, and a spice blend. These blocks dissolve in hot liquid, serving as both a seasoning and a thickener for a creamy sauce.

2. Heat Level and Ingredient List

The heat level is a crucial selection criterion. Manufacturers usually label their products with terms like "mild," "medium hot," or "extra hot." A hot curry paste owes its intensity to a high concentration of specific chilli varieties. It's always a good idea to check the ingredient list, not only to gauge the heat but also to check for allergens like mustard, gluten, or nuts.

3. Application: Classic Paste vs. Solid Roux

The consistency of the paste affects its preparation:

• Classic Pastes (typical for India and Thailand) are usually fried briefly in hot oil at the beginning of the cooking process. This releases the essential oils of the spices and intensifies the flavour.
• Solid Roux Blocks (typical for Japan) are stirred into the hot, but no longer boiling, liquid (water or broth) towards the end of the cooking time until they have completely dissolved and thickened the sauce.

Our Curry Paste Recommendations

Based on these criteria, we have compiled a selection of products that cover different flavour profiles and applications.

For Lovers of Intense Heat: Patak's Extra Hot Curry Paste

Why It's a Winner: This Indian curry paste from Patak's is designed for those who appreciate a distinct and authentic heat. The blend of chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and paprika provides a deep, multi-layered flavour that forms the basis for an intensely flavourful curry.

Pros:

• Intense Heat: Clearly declared as "Extra Hot" for reliable spiciness.
• Complex Spice Blend: In addition to chilli, it contains tomato purée, tamarind, garlic, and ginger for a well-rounded taste experience.
• Versatile: Suitable not only for curries but also as a fiery marinade for meat or as a base for spicy sauces.

Best For: Experienced home cooks and fans of Indian cuisine who are specifically looking for a very hot curry paste with an authentic flavour profile.

The Japanese Classic: S&B Golden Curry Sauce Mix - Medium Hot

Why It's a Winner: The S&B Golden Curry mix is one of the most famous brands for Japanese curry paste. According to the manufacturer, a harmonious blend of 35 spices and herbs creates its characteristic taste. The roux blocks allow for straightforward preparation with foolproof results.

Pros:

• Easy to Use: The blocks simply dissolve in hot water, thickening the sauce at the same time.
• Balanced Flavour: The "Medium Hot" version offers a pleasant spiciness without being overpowering, making it very approachable.
• Velvety Texture: Creates a thick, creamy curry sauce that perfectly coats meat and vegetables.

Best For: Ideal for beginners to Japanese cuisine and for anyone who wants to prepare an aromatic and satisfying curry dish quickly and effortlessly.

Authentically Thai: Cock Brand Thai Red Curry Paste

Why It's a Winner: This red curry paste from Cock Brand brings the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen. The ingredient list, featuring 28% dried red chillies, lemongrass, galangal, and coriander seeds, promises a robust and flavourful result, just as you would expect from traditional Thai curries.

Pros:

• Authentic Ingredients: The use of typical Thai ingredients like lemongrass and galangal ensures an authentic aroma.
• Robust Flavour: The paste provides a solid foundation for a Thai curry paste with a well-balanced heat.
• Wide Application: Works brilliantly in classic coconut milk curries, as well as in soups (e.g., Tom Kha) or stir-fry dishes.

Best For: For cooks who want to create the characteristic, slightly spicy, and herbaceous flavour of a genuine red Thai curry.

Discover More Options for Your Kitchen

Our selection covers popular varieties from Indian, Japanese, and Thai cuisine. If you are specifically interested in more ingredients and products for authentic dishes from Japan, you will find a wider selection in our category.

Discover more products for authentic dishes in our Japanese Table section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does opened curry paste last?

Once opened, curry paste should always be stored in the refrigerator. For the exact shelf life, please refer to the information on the packaging. As a rule, pastes with a high oil and salt content last longer. To maximise shelf life, it is recommended to always use a clean spoon for removal.

What is the difference between red, green, and yellow Thai curry paste?

The main difference lies in the chillies and spices used.

• Red Curry Paste: Based on dried red chillies and has a balanced, robust heat.
• Green Curry Paste: Made from fresh green chillies and is often the hottest of the three varieties.
• Yellow Curry Paste: Contains turmeric, which gives it its yellow colour and a milder, richer flavour. It is generally the mildest type.

Can you make your own curry paste?

Yes, making your own curry paste is an option, but it requires a variety of fresh and dried ingredients, as well as a powerful blender or a mortar and pestle. For everyday use, ready-made curry pastes offer a convenient and time-saving alternative that delivers a consistently reliable flavour outcome.