Thai Flavors

Thai Flavors

Sour | Sweet | Creamy | Salty | Spicy

 - เปรี้ยว หวาน มัน เค็ม เผ็ด -


Thai cuisine and Thai street food is built on the delicate balance of five core flavors: Sour (เปรี้ยว), Sweet (หวาน), Rich/Creamy (มัน), Salty (เค็ม), and Spicy (เผ็ด). Each of these elements comes together harmoniously to create the vibrant and bold dishes Thailand is known for.


Thai Flavoring

1. Sour (Priaw - เปรี้ยว)

Sourness in Thai food is refreshing and tangy, often used to brighten the flavors of a dish. It’s achieved using:

  • Lime juice (Nam Manao – น้ำมะนาว)
  • Tamarind paste (Makham – มะขาม)

2. Sweet (Waan - หวาน)

Sweetness adds balance, softening the intensity of spicy or salty flavors. It comes from:

  • Palm sugar (Nam Tarn Peep – น้ำตาลปี๊บ)
  • Coconut milk (Nam Kati – น้ำกะทิ)

3. Creamy/Rich (Mun - มัน)

This flavor represents the richness or creamy texture in Thai dishes, often contributed by:

  • Coconut milk (Nam Kati – น้ำกะทิ)
  • Peanuts or oils used in cooking.

4. Salty (Kem - เค็ม)

Saltiness enhances umami and balances sweetness and sourness. Thai cuisine achieves saltiness through:

  • Fish sauce (Nam Pla – น้ำปลา)
  • Shrimp paste (Kapi – กะปิ)
  • Soy sauce (See Ew – ซีอิ๊ว)

5. Spicy (Phed - เผ็ด)

Spiciness is a signature characteristic of Thai cuisine, achieved using:

  • Fresh chilies (Prik Kee Noo – พริกขี้หนู)
  • Chili paste (Nam Prik Pao – น้ำพริกเผา)
  • Galangal (Kha – ข่า) for a subtle heat.



Harmony of Thai Flavors

The magic of Thai cuisine lies in its Balance : Ros Glom Glom - รสกลมกล่อม


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