Find Your Perfect Green Curry Paste: Top Picks

By: Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

You're craving an authentic Thai green curry. The aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and fresh chillies filling your kitchen. But at the supermarket or online, you're faced with a wall of jars and sachets. Which green curry paste is the right one for you? Is it spicy enough? Vegan? Gluten-free?

Choosing the right base is essential for a successful dish. To help you ignore the marketing claims and make a choice that suits your taste and needs, we've created this guide. Here you'll find practical tips and a selection of popular green curry paste options, based on their specifications.

What to Look for When Buying Green Curry Paste

Before you put a curry paste in your basket, there are a few things to consider. This ensures you come home with a product that matches the Thai green curry recipe you have in mind.

1. Spiciness and Flavour Profile

Not every green curry paste is the same. The base often consists of green chillies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and galangal root, but the proportions vary.

• Spicy curry paste: Traditionally, green curry is the spiciest of the Thai curry pastes, thanks to the use of fresh, unripe green peppers. Brands like Koh Thai are known for their powerful, spicy flavour that is close to authentic Thai cuisine.
• Milder options: If you don't like food that's too hot, or if you're cooking for people with different taste preferences, there are also milder options. These often contain fewer peppers or a different balance of herbs.

Check the packaging or product description for an indication of the spiciness level.

2. Ingredients and Dietary Needs

The ingredients list is your most important source of information, especially if you have specific dietary requirements.

• Vegan curry paste: Many traditional Thai curry pastes contain shrimp paste for a deep umami flavour. If you follow a plant-based diet, it's crucial to check if the paste is 100% vegan. Brands like Sunlee specifically offer a vegan curry paste.
• Gluten-free curry paste: Although most curry pastes are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during production. Look for an explicit gluten-free mention on the label if you have coeliac disease or are sensitive to gluten.

3. Packaging Size and Usage

How often do you plan on making green curry?

• Small portions (70-100 g): Ideal if you want to try it once or don't cook Thai food often. A sachet is often just enough for one meal for 2 to 4 people.
• Large jars (200-400 g): If green curry is a regular part of your weekly menu, a larger jar is more economical and practical. After opening, you can store the paste in the refrigerator, where it will last for weeks.

Our Green Curry Paste Picks

Based on product specifications and popular choices among home cooks, we have highlighted three different types of green curry paste. Each paste has its own unique characteristics.

Koh Thai Green Curry Paste - 225 g

Why it stands out: This paste is known as the spiciest of Koh Thai's curry pastes. The flavour is based on fresh green peppers, lemongrass, and cardamom, which creates an authentic and powerful taste experience. According to the manufacturer, the product is 100% natural.

Key Features:

• Intensely spicy: Made with 19% chilli pepper for a distinctly hot flavour.
• Gluten-free: Clearly indicated as a gluten-free curry paste.
• Natural ingredients: Contains no artificial additives.
• Convenient jar: The 225-gram jar is good for about 8-10 servings.

Who is this for? For the enthusiast of an authentic, spicy curry paste who isn't afraid of some heat. Also a great choice if you follow a gluten-free diet and are looking for a flavourful base.

Sunlee Vegan Green Curry Paste - 400g

Why it stands out: Sunlee focuses on the essence of Thai cuisine with products that form the basis of everyday dishes. This green curry paste is specifically developed to be completely plant-based, without compromising on the rich, aromatic flavour of herbs and spices.

Key Features:

• 100% vegan: Guaranteed free of animal products like shrimp paste.
• Large packaging: The 400-gram jar offers excellent value for money for those who make curry regularly.
• Pure ingredients: Contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
• Versatile: Suitable for curries, but also for stir-fries, marinades, and soups.

Who is this for? An excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a plant-based Thai curry paste. Also ideal for frequent users and families.

Fairtrade Thai Green Curry Paste - 70 g

Why it stands out: This paste combines a mild, fresh flavour with an ethical mission. The ingredients are Fairtrade certified, which means that farmers in Thailand receive a fair price for their products. The taste is approachable and less overwhelmingly spicy.

Key Features:

• Fairtrade certified: A conscious choice that supports farming communities.
• Mild flavour: The focus is on the fresh flavours of lemongrass and coriander, with a subtle heat.
• Convenient portion pack: The 70-gram sachet is perfect for a single meal for 2-3 people.
• Plant-based: Made exclusively with plant-based ingredients.

Who is this for? Ideal for the novice Thai cook, people who don't like overly spicy food, or for those who consciously choose Fairtrade products. The small packaging makes it easy to try.

Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

Are none of these three quite right for you? Perhaps you're looking for a different level of spiciness, an organic version, or another brand. The range is wide, and there's something for everyone.

Discover more options and compare different types of Thai curry paste on our overview page.

View all Thai curry pastes

Frequently Asked Questions about Green Curry Paste

How do I make Thai green curry myself?

It's surprisingly simple. Fry a few tablespoons of green curry paste in a little oil in a wok or pan until the aromas are released. Add a can (400 ml) of coconut milk and stir well. Bring to a boil, then add your favourite protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp) and vegetables (such as long beans, bamboo shoots, and Thai aubergine). Let it simmer until everything is cooked through. Serve with white rice.

Is green curry paste always spicy?

Green curry paste is known for being the spiciest, but the intensity varies greatly by brand. The spiciness comes from the quantity and type of fresh green chillies used. If you are sensitive to heat, choose a brand that is explicitly described as "mild," or start with a smaller amount of paste and add more to taste.

What is the difference between red and green curry paste?

The main difference is in the chillies. For green curry paste, fresh, green chillies are used, which provides a fresh, herbaceous, and often sharper flavour. For red curry paste, dried red chillies are used, resulting in a deeper, slightly sweeter, and smokier flavour that is generally milder than the green version.