33 Thai Spices List | Complete Guide for Thai Herbs and Spices

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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)

Thai Spices List
manumunson

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)

Thai Spices Catalogue 2

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices

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)

Thai Spices List 4
marionskitchen

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices in pot

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)

Thai Herbs indoor
shutterstock/Olga Miltsova

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)

Thai Spices List 9
shutterstock/Veronika Idiyat

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices

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)

Thai Spices in spoon

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)

Thai Spices

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices in Pot
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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)

Thai Herbs and Spices list 2

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)

Thai herb inground

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)

Thai Herbs in pot

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)

Thai Spices List 1

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)

Thai Spices Catalogue 2

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices 1

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)

Thai Herbs list

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)

Thai Spices and herb list

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

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)

Thai Spices on table

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)

Thai Spices Catalogue 4

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum

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)

Thai Spices List 6

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices 3

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)

thai herb in garden

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)

Thai Spices in bottle

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)

Thai Herbs in pot

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices in pot ideas

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices list

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices in bowl

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices in pot

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)

Thai Herbs and Spices 4

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)

Thai Spices Catalogue

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)

Thai Spices List 3
shutterstock/alybaba

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.

Learn How to Grow Black Pepper Plant 

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