Staple Thai Herbs: A Quick Guide

Thai cuisine owes much of its global appeal to the fresh, aromatic herbs that define each dish’s unique flavor. Below is a concise guide to essential Thai herbs, grouped by how they’re most commonly used in stir-fries, curries, and clear soups. You’ll also discover how TAAN THAI sauces and pastes can simplify creating these dishes at home.

Thai Herbs for Stir-Fries

In popular Thai stir-fries—like Pad Kra Pao, Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Stir-Fry), Pad Nam Prik Pao (Roasted Chili Stir-Fry), Pad Kra Tiem Prik Tai (Garlic & Pepper Stir-Fry), and Pad Ped—the core flavors come from garlic, chili (for Pad Kra Pao and Pad Kee Mao), and a key herb unique to each dish.

• Pad Kra Pao adds Kra Pao (Thai Holy Basil), giving the dish its name.
• Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Stir-Fry) features Thai holy basil plus Fingerroot (Kra Chai) and fresh peppercorn, adding a signature zing.
• Pad Nam Prik Pao relies on Thai basil leaves (Horrapa) instead of holy basil for its distinctive aroma.
• Pad Kra Tiem Prik Tai intensifies its garlicky essence by adding extra garlic.

TAAN THAI Tip: Our Pad Kra Pao Stir-Fry Starter can be used to make both Pad Kra Pao and Drunken Noodles. Simply add Kra Chai and fresh peppercorn for that hallmark Drunken Noodles twist.

Thai Herbs for Curries

While Thai curries vary across regions, many share a foundational set of herbs and aromatics: lemongrass, galangal, shallot, makrut lime zest, garlic, and coriander root. Variations in chili type, added spices, and local herbs produce the array of colorful curries:

• Red Curry Paste uses fresh and dried red chilies.
• Green Curry Paste relies on green chilies.
• Yellow Curry (Kang Karee) incorporates turmeric and cumin.
• Southern-Style Kang Som highlights turmeric for its bright yellow color and tamarind paste for sourness.

Thai Herbs for Clear Soups

For clear soups like Tom Yum and Tom Zaab, the staple herbs are lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves (Makrut), galangal (Kha), shallot, and chili (fresh or dried). They’re combined to create a broth that’s both comforting and invigorating.

• Tom Yum often includes Thai holy basil leaves (Kra Pao), depending on the recipe.
• Tom Zaab might add culantro for an extra herby kick.

TAAN THAI Tip: Our Tom Kha Starter Kit offers an easy way to make creamy Tom Kha or adapt it into iconic Tom Yum by adding Nam Prik Pao (Thai chili paste) for the signature tangy-spicy flavor.

Bringing Thai Herbs into Your Kitchen

Stocking fresh Thai herbs all the time can be tricky, especially outside of Thailand. That’s why many cooks rely on ready-made pastes and dried herb sets to capture authentic Thai tastes. TAAN THAI sauces and pastes incorporate these traditional herbs, enabling you to whip up flavorful stir-fries, aromatic curries, and comforting soups in your own home—no matter where you live.