Get ready for a flavorful adventure as we explore the exotic and diverse Thai Spices List that will awaken you and ignite your taste buds!
From the fiery heat of bird’s eye chilies to the fragrant aroma of lemongrass, Thai cuisine is renowned for its use of a diverse range of spices that awaken the senses and excite the palate. So, if you’re ready to embark on a delicious journey of discovery, let’s explore the rich and exotic Thai Spices List that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure!
Thai Spices List
1. Lemongrass (Ta-krai)
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass is a fragrant and citrusy herb commonly used in Thai cuisine to add a refreshing and tangy flavor to dishes.
2. Pandan Leaves (Bai Toei)
Botanical Name: Pandanus amaryllifolius
Use them to add a subtle, sweet flavor to your dishes or as a natural food colorant to create vibrant green hues to impress your guests.
3. Galangal (Kha)
Botanical Name: Alpinia galanga
Galangal is a pungent and slightly sweet root spice that is commonly used in Thai curries and soups to add depth and complexity to the dish.
4. Kaffir Lime Leaves (Bai ma-grood)
Botanical Name: Citrus hystrix
Kaffir lime leaves are a fragrant herb used in Thai cooking to add a citrusy and floral flavor to dishes, particularly curries and soups.
5. Thai Basil (Horapha)
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora
Thai basil is a sweet and aromatic herb that is commonly used in Thai cuisine to add a licorice-like flavor to dishes, particularly stir-fries and curries.
6. Cilantro (Pak chee)
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a leafy herb used in Thai cuisine to add a bright and fresh flavor to dishes, particularly soups and salads.
7. Chili Pepper (Prik)
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Chili peppers are a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, used to add heat and depth of flavor to dishes such as curries and stir-fries.
8. Turmeric (Khamin)
Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice used in Thai cuisine to add color and a warm, earthy flavor to dishes such as curries and soups.
9. Coriander Seeds (Rak phak chee)
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Coriander seeds are a spice used in Thai cooking to add a nutty, citrusy flavor to dishes such as curries and marinades.
10. Cumin (Yira)
Botanical Name: Cuminum cyminum
Cumin is a spice commonly used in Thai cuisine to add a warm and earthy flavor to dishes such as curries and soups.
Look at the Spice Storage Ideas
11. Pandanus Screwpine Essence (Nam Bai Toey)
Botanical Name: Pandanus amaryllifolius
If you want to add a unique flavor and aroma to your dishes, try Pandanus Screwpine Essence from the Thai Spices List. This essence is extracted from the leaves of the pandan plant and has a sweet, nutty, and floral flavor.
12. Garlic (Krathiam)
Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Garlic is a pungent and savory spice used in Thai cooking to add depth and complexity to dishes such as stir-fries and curries.
13. Shallots (Hom daeng)
Botanical Name: Allium cepa var. aggregatum
Shallots are a mild and sweet spice used in Thai cuisine to add a subtle onion-like flavor to dishes such as curries and stir-fries.
14. Ginger (Khing)
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Ginger is a warm and fragrant spice that adds a zesty and slightly sweet flavor to dishes such as soups and stir-fries.
15. Mace (Kan Bua)
Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans
Mace, a spice made from the outer layer of the nutmeg seed, is a lesser-known but essential ingredient in Thai Spices. Its warm and slightly sweet flavor makes it a great addition to baked goods, stews, and marinades.
16. Star Anise (Phet luk chin)
Botanical Name: Illicium verum
Star anise is a spice used in Thai cooking to add a licorice-like flavor to dishes such as curries and marinades.
17. Cinnamon (Ob choei)
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamon is a spice commonly used in Thai cuisine to add a warm and sweet flavor to dishes such as curries and desserts.
Here are some of the most amazing uses of cinnamon in the garden!
18. Nutmeg (Luk phat)
Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans Houtt.
Nutmeg is a warm and nutty spice used in Thai cooking to add a complex and aromatic flavor to dishes such as soups and stews.
19. Lemongrass Powder (Sa-rai)
Infuse your dishes with the bright and refreshing flavor of lemongrass with the help of Lemongrass Powder. This powder is a convenient alternative to fresh lemongrass and can be used in various recipes, from soups to marinades.
20. Thai Long Pepper (Deuan Cha)
Botanical Name: Piper Longum
These peppers are slightly sweeter than black pepper and have a complex flavor with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.
21. White Pepper (Prik thai)
White pepper is a mild and slightly floral spice commonly used in Thai cuisine to add subtle heat and depth of flavor to dishes such as soups and stir-fries.
22. Black Pepper (Prik dum)
Black pepper is a pungent and earthy spice commonly used in Thai cuisine to add a strong and bold flavor to dishes such as curries and marinades.
23. Cardamom (Glui kra-dok)
Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Cardamom is a warm and aromatic spice used in Thai cooking to add a complex and slightly sweet flavor to dishes such as curries and marinades.
24. Cinnamon Basil (Horapha Juk)
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum var. cinnamon
Take your taste buds on a journey with the unique and fragrant Cinnamon Basil. This herb has a sweet and spicy flavor, and its leaves look almost like a hybrid between Thai basil and mint.
25. Cloves (Kanphluu)
Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
Cloves are a strong and pungent spice used in Thai cuisine to add a warm and slightly sweet flavor to dishes such as curries and stews.
Learn How to Grow Cloves
26. Bay Leaves (Bai kra wan)
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Bay leaves are a fragrant herb commonly used in Thai cooking to add a subtle and floral flavor to dishes such as curries and soups.
27. Thai Bird’s Eye Chili (Prik Kee Noo)
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum ‘Bird’s Eye’
Add heat to your dishes with the fiery Thai Bird’s Eye Chili. These tiny peppers pack a powerful punch and are a staple in many Thai recipes.
28. Sweet Basil (Horapha)
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Sweet basil is a leafy herb commonly used in Thai cuisine to add a sweet and slightly licorice-like flavor to dishes such as stir-fries and curries.
29. Dried Chili Flakes (Prik pon)
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Dried chili flakes are a spicy and versatile ingredient used in many Thai dishes to add heat and depth of flavor.
30. Holy Basil (Bai Krapao)
Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
The Thai Spices List wouldn’t be complete without Holy Basil, which adds a distinct, peppery taste to any dish. Whether you’re making stir-fries or curries, Bai Krapao is a must-have.
31. Mustard Seeds (Rak kao)
Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
Mustard seeds are a pungent and slightly bitter spice used in Thai cooking to add a bold and complex flavor to dishes such as curries and marinades.
32. Fennel Seeds (Yira khom)
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel seeds are a sweet and slightly anise-like spice used in Thai cuisine to add a subtle and complex flavor to dishes such as soups and stews.
33. Sichuan Pepper (Prik Thai)
Botanical Name: Zanthoxylum simulans
If you want to add a unique twist to your Thai recipes, try using Sichuan Pepper. This spice has a unique citrusy and numbing effect on the tongue, which makes it a popular addition to spicy soups and curries.
