Gaeng

The World of Thai Curries

Pounded paste, coconut cream and fresh herbs: the curry is the soul of the Thai table.

Gaeng · แกง

What Makes Thai Curries So Special?

Thai cuisine is a beautiful balance of flavors: spicy, savory, sweet and tangy all come together in perfect harmony. One of the most beloved parts of Thai cooking is its rich and aromatic curries.

Unlike many other cuisines, Thai curries rely heavily on fresh herbs, spices and coconut milk to achieve their bold and layered flavors. Each curry varies in spice level, color and taste based on the combination of ingredients in its paste, and in Thai the word gaeng covers everything from creamy coconut curries to clear, fiery jungle soups.

At Elephant Ear Thai, near Times Square on Ninth Avenue, we prepare our curries with high-quality Thai ingredients, so you get an authentic Thai dining experience. Whether you are a Thai food connoisseur or just beginning to explore, understanding the curries will deepen your appreciation for this culinary art.

Bowl of authentic Thai curry with coconut milk and herbs

The Big Three

Green, Red & Yellow Curry

Thai green curry kaeng khiao wan with chicken and Thai eggplant

แกงเขียวหวาน · gaeng khiao wan

Green Curry: Fresh & Fragrant

Known for its vibrant green color and herbaceous taste. Made from fresh green chili, lemongrass, Thai basil and coconut milk, it delivers a spicy yet refreshing flavor. The name means "sweet green", referring to its soft, sweet-green color, not sugar.

Ours is simmered with Thai eggplant and bamboo shoots, with your choice of vegetable & tofu, chicken, ribeye or seafood. Pair it with jasmine rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Hottest of the three

Thai red curry kaeng phet with coconut milk

แกงเผ็ด · gaeng phet

Red Curry: Bold & Spicy

A Thai classic that packs a punch with its deep, bold flavor. The red color comes from dried red chilies, blended with garlic, shallots, galangal and lemongrass. The coconut milk gives it a creamy texture that balances the heat beautifully.

Red curry is a must for spice lovers and a crowd-pleaser for group meals. Our fried softshell crab with red curry is a house favorite.

Medium-hot

Thai yellow curry kaeng kari with potatoes and green curry

แกงกะหรี่ · gaeng kari

Yellow Curry: Mild & Comforting

The mildest of the three, perfect for those who prefer a creamier, less spicy dish. It gets its golden color from turmeric and curry powder, which add an earthy warmth. Potatoes and onions make it hearty and satisfying.

A top choice for first-timers. A guest wrote that our "yellow curry with fish is off the charts good". It is also the base of our pineapple curry duck.

Mild

Beyond the Basics

More Thai Curries Worth Knowing

Massaman Curry

แกงมัสมั่น

A rich, gently spiced curry with Persian and Indian roots: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg with peanuts, potatoes and tamarind. Often voted one of the world's most delicious foods.

Prik kang dry red curry with beef short ribs at Elephant Ear

Prik Kang (Dry Curry)

พริกแกง

Red curry paste stir-fried with little or no coconut milk so it clings to the meat. Our short ribs prik kang marries it with a slow braise.

Panang Curry

พะแนง

Thick, nutty and sweet-savory, with ground peanuts and shredded makrut lime leaf. Less soupy than red curry and very rich.

Pineapple duck curry gaeng phed ped yang

Duck Curry with Fruit

แกงเผ็ดเป็ดย่าง

Roast duck in curry with pineapple, lychee, grapes or tomato. Our pineapple curry duck uses a yellow curry with lychee and pineapple.

Gaeng Som (Sour Curry)

แกงส้ม

A thin, tangy, coconut-free curry of tamarind and chili, usually with fish and vegetables. The southern version is golden with turmeric.

Jungle Curry

แกงป่า

A fiery, herbal, coconut-free curry from the forests of the north, made with wild herbs, green peppercorns and krachai root.

Compare

Thai Curries Side by Side

Curry	Paste base	Coconut	Heat	Flavor
Green	Fresh green chili, lemongrass, galangal, makrut, cilantro root	Yes	Hot	Herbal, fresh, aromatic
Red	Dried red chili, garlic, shallot, galangal, lemongrass	Yes	Medium–hot	Bold, savory, warming
Yellow	Turmeric, curry powder, dried chili, coriander, cumin	Yes	Mild	Creamy, earthy, comforting
Massaman	Dried chili, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg	Yes	Mild	Sweet-spiced, nutty
Panang	Red curry paste with peanuts	Thick cream	Medium	Rich, nutty, sweet-savory
Prik kang	Red curry paste	Little or none	Medium–hot	Intense, dry, aromatic
Jungle (pa)	Green peppercorn, krachai, wild herbs	No	Very hot	Sharp, herbal, peppery
Sour (som)	Dried chili, shallot, shrimp paste, tamarind	No	Hot	Sour, tangy, light

How a Curry Is Made

Cracking the Coconut Cream

The secret of a great Thai curry is in the first two minutes. The thickest coconut cream goes into the hot pan and is cooked until its oil separates and "cracks", taek man. The paste is fried in that fragrant oil until the raw edge of the chilies and shallots disappears and the kitchen fills with aroma.

Only then are the meat, the thinner coconut milk and the vegetables added, followed by the seasoning: fish sauce for salt, palm sugar for sweetness, and fresh basil and makrut lime leaf at the very end.

Tip: spoon curry over your rice a little at a time rather than pouring it all at once. That is how it is eaten in Thailand, and the rice stays fluffy.

Green and yellow Thai curries served with jasmine rice

Pair Your Curry

Complete the Table

While curries are the stars, they pair beautifully with other Thai favorites. Try these to complete your meal:

Mango Avocado Salad: a light, refreshing starter with mango, avocado and zesty lime dressing.
Duck Tamarind: duck in sweet and tangy tamarind sauce.
Grilled Tiger Shrimp: juicy, smoky shrimp with house garlic sauce.
Pineapple Fried Rice and Tom Yum soup for group meals.

Planning a corporate lunch or a team event? Our curries are perfect for sharing. See Thai catering or read the original journal article, Exploring Thai Curries.

Pineapple curry duck at Elephant Ear Thai

Come Discover the Magic of Thai Curries

Find us at 690 9th Ave in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. Every bite tells a story of Thailand's culinary traditions.

Reserve a Table Curry Menu