What is the best thai curry paste, according to chefs?

MyTastr’s top pick is Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste, chosen by Pailin Chongchitnant (Hot Thai Kitchen). Won her blind tasting: “a strong flavour, good level of spice, and has the most umami.” Her go-to for years. Leela Punyaratabandhu lists it among the good Thai brands, and it was the second-most-suggested brand in Katrina Yentch’s poll of Thai home cooks.

What are the other top picks for thai curry paste?

No. 2 is Maesri Curry Paste (cans), chosen by Katrina Yentch (Bon Appétit). No. 3 is Aroy-D Red Curry Paste, chosen by Pailin Chongchitnant (Hot Thai Kitchen).

How does MyTastr choose these picks?

Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot.

Best thai curry paste, according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Pailin Chongchitnant, Leela Punyaratabandhu and Katrina Yentch. Recommendations come from hot-thai-kitchen.com, shesimmers.com and bonappetit.com.

International Pantry · The ranking

1
Top pick
Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste
Chosen by
- Pailin ChongchitnantCreator, Hot Thai Kitchenhot-thai-kitchen.com ↗
Also chosen by
- Leela Punyaratabandhu · Thai cookbook author, Bangkok source ↗
- Katrina Yentch · Food writer, Bon Appétit source ↗
Won her blind tasting: “a strong flavour, good level of spice, and has the most umami.” Her go-to for years. Leela Punyaratabandhu lists it among the good Thai brands, and it was the second-most-suggested brand in Katrina Yentch’s poll of Thai home cooks.
Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: hot-thai-kitchen.com ↗
2
Maesri Curry Paste (cans)
Chosen by
- Katrina YentchFood writer, Bon Appétit
Also chosen by
- Leela Punyaratabandhu · Thai cookbook author, Bangkok source ↗
The brand most suggested when she polled her Thai community group: “many even said that they had a few cans of this in their pantry right now.” The small cans get used up before the paste dries out. Chongchitnant found it milder and less salty, so use more.
Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: bonappetit.com ↗
3
Aroy-D Red Curry Paste
Chosen by
- Pailin ChongchitnantCreator, Hot Thai Kitchenhot-thai-kitchen.com ↗
“By far the best of all 3 vegan options” and a very close runner-up to her top two. She tests her recipes with Mae Ploy or Aroy-D. Check the label if you avoid shrimp, because one version lists shrimp powder.
Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: hot-thai-kitchen.com ↗

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Questions, answered

What is the best thai curry paste, according to chefs?: MyTastr’s top pick is Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste, chosen by Pailin Chongchitnant (Hot Thai Kitchen). Won her blind tasting: “a strong flavour, good level of spice, and has the most umami.” Her go-to for years. Leela Punyaratabandhu lists it among the good Thai brands, and it was the second-most-suggested brand in Katrina Yentch’s poll of Thai home cooks. Source: hot-thai-kitchen.com ↗
What are the other top picks for thai curry paste?: No. 2 is Maesri Curry Paste (cans), chosen by Katrina Yentch (Bon Appétit). No. 3 is Aroy-D Red Curry Paste, chosen by Pailin Chongchitnant (Hot Thai Kitchen). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?: Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

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