Curry is one of the world’s most beloved dishes and a signature favorite at White Coconut Thai Restaurant.
Indian curries commonly rely on dried spice blends and dairy, while traditional Thai curries are made with fresh herb pastes. These pastes are hand-pounded in a stone mortar and blended with creamy coconut milk. At White Coconut Thai Restaurant, our curries begin with a fragrant paste of fresh herbs and spices, combined with coconut milk and your choice of meat, seafood, or vegetables to create the bold, balanced flavors Thai cuisine is known for.
But Thai curry wasn’t always prepared the way it is today.
From Peppercorns to Chili Peppers
The Thai curry we enjoy today has evolved over hundreds of years through trade, exploration, and innovation.
A good thing to note is that chili peppers did not originate in Thailand. Instead used long black peppercorns, unripe berries from the pepper vine, to create heat and combined them with native ingredients like lemongrass, shallots, and galangal. These early curries looked very different from today’s vibrant dishes. Rather than the rich reds and greens we associate with Thai curry, they were earthy, aromatic broths filled with herbs and vegetables.
Global Trading Routes
The curry we know today is nothing like the curry we knew back then. With advancements in technology and trade, the preparation and presentation of curry reflect human innovation. For example, before the 16th century, Thai kitchens lacked access to chili peppers. Instead, these ancient curries got their heat from long black peppercorns. They would combine this with indigenous aromatics such as lemongrass, shallots, and galangal. This changed the appearance of the curry itself. There were no spicy vibrant hues to this dish; simply an earthy broth and/or a vegetable soup.
Indian, Persian, and Muslim merchants introduced dried spices such as cumin, cloves, and cinnamon, and combined them with traditional Thai herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime. These spices inspired iconic curries like Massaman and Panang, which you will find on our menu!
Curry At White Coconut Thai Restaurant
The one thing we know for sure at our Thai restaurant, is that the history of curry is as diverse as the recipes themselves.
Today, you’ll find curries that perfectly balance sweet, savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors, creating the relaxing dishes people know and love.
At White Coconut Thai Restaurant, we’re proud to serve a variety of authentic Thai curries, from enduring classics to customer favorites. Explore our selection of creamy Panang, a rich Massaman, or a spicy Green Curry today!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates and specials, or order online through our website.