thai cuisine
 
Thai cuisine is known for its vibrant, bold flavours and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. If you’re new to Thai cooking or simply want to elevate your meals, understanding the key ingredients that make this cuisine so special is essential. Whether you’re preparing a rich Thai curry, a refreshing Thai salad, or a fragrant stir-fry, the right ingredients will bring out the authentic flavours that make Thai food irresistible.
 
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10 must-have ingredients for Thai cooking that will help you create mouth-watering dishes at home. And the best part? You can find all of these essential ingredients at Asia Market, your go-to source for authentic Thai ingredients in Ireland.
 

1. Fish Sauce (Nam Pla) – The Backbone of Thai Flavour

Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is an indispensable ingredient in Thai cuisine, offering a salty, umami depth of flavour that’s hard to replicate. It’s used in a wide range of dishes, from curries to stir-fries, and is often combined with lime juice, sugar, and herbs to create complex flavour profiles.
At Asia Market, we offer top-quality fish sauce brands such as Tiparos and Squid Brand, which are perfect for your cooking adventures.
 

2. Coconut Milk (Coconut Cream) – Creamy and Rich

CHAOKOH - Coconut Milk (Tin) 400ml
For a creamy and rich texture in curries, soups, and desserts, coconut milk is a must-have. It adds a subtle sweetness and a silky finish that makes Thai dishes like Green Curry and Tom Kha Gai irresistibly comforting. Coconut cream is thicker and richer, ideal for making luxurious curries or desserts like sticky rice with mango.
At Asia Market, you'll find a variety of coconut milk and coconut cream options, including brands like Chaokoh and Aroy-D.
 

3. Lemongrass – A Fragrant Citrus Kick

Fresh Lemongrass

Lemongrass brings a fragrant, citrusy zing to Thai dishes. Whether it’s simmering in a soup, a curry, or grilled in satay skewers, lemongrass infuses food with its aromatic flavour. To use it, simply bruise the stalks to release their oils and add them to broths or stir-fries.
Find fresh lemongrass or lemongrass paste in our store, so you can enjoy its vibrant flavour anytime.
 

4. Galangal – A Thai Spice Like Ginger, But Different

FRESH Galangal 200g

While galangal is similar to ginger, it has a more citrusy, piney, and earthy flavour. It’s often used in Thai soups, curries, and stir-fries, especially in dishes like Tom Yum and Green Curry. If you can’t find fresh galangal, dried galangal or galangal paste are great alternatives.
At Asia Market, we stock fresh galangal as well as galangal paste, ready to add its unique flavour to your dishes.
 

5. Kaffir Lime Leaves – Bright and Bold

Kaffir lime leaves are another essential ingredient in Thai cooking. These aromatic leaves have a bright, citrusy flavour that enhances curries, soups, and even rice dishes. Simply tear or finely slice the leaves to release their fragrance and add them to your dishes.
Asia Market carries fresh and dried kaffir lime leaves, which are perfect for creating authentic flavours.
 

6. Thai Red Curry Paste – Bold and Spicy

Maeploy Red Curry Paste 400g

Thai red curry paste is made from a blend of ingredients like red chillies, lemongrass, garlic, and galangal. It’s the key to creating the deep, spicy flavours in Red Curry and Massaman Curry. You can also use it to make dipping sauces or stir-fry sauces.
At Asia Market, we offer various brands of red curry paste including Mae Ploy, AHG and Suree, which are ideal for your homemade curries.
 

7. Palm Sugar – Sweetness with Depth

Cock Brand Palm Sugar 1kg

Palm sugar is a sweetener that’s commonly used in Thai cooking, particularly in Thai desserts and curries. It has a rich, caramel-like flavour and is a staple in dishes like Pad Thai and Thai-style BBQ meats. It’s typically sold in blocks or shredded, and it dissolves easily into liquids, making it perfect for sauces and broths.
You’ll find authentic palm sugar at Asia Market, which will give your dishes that true Thai sweetness.
 

8. Tamarind Paste – A Tangy Sourness

Cock Brand Concentrate Cooking Tamarind 454g

Tamarind adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavour that’s perfect for balance in Thai stir-fries, soups, and sauces. It’s often used to create the tartness in Pad Thai or Tom Yum. Tamarind paste is also key in the preparation of dipping sauces and curry bases.
Asia Market carries high-quality tamarind paste and tamarind concentrate, ready to enhance the depth of your dishes.
 

9. Thai Basil – Peppery, Sweet, and Fragrant

Thai basil is different from regular basil due to its peppery, slightly spicy flavour. It’s often used in stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes like Pad Krapow. Thai basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the heat of chillies and the richness of coconut milk.
Get fresh or dried Thai basil at Asia Market for an authentic flavour boost.

10. Bird’s Eye Chilies – Spice It Up!

EAST END Birds Eye Chilli (Dried Red Chilli) 50g

Bird’s eye chillies are small but pack a serious punch! These fiery chillies are often used in Thai curries, sauces, and stir-fries to give your dish that spicy kick. If you love heat, this is the chilli to add to your pantry.
At Asia Market, we have fresh bird’s eye chilies available, perfect for any dish that needs an extra layer of heat.

Why You Need These Ingredients for Thai Cooking

When you have these must-have Thai ingredients in your kitchen, you’ll be able to make a wide range of authentic Thai dishes. From the complex flavours of Thai curries to the bright, fresh flavours of Thai salads and stir-fries, these ingredients form the foundation of Thai cooking. At Asia Market, we stock all of these essential ingredients to help you create delicious, vibrant meals at home.

FAQs About Thai Cooking Ingredients

1. Can I substitute fish sauce with soy sauce?

Fish sauce provides a unique salty and umami flavour in Thai cooking. While soy sauce can be used as a substitute in some dishes, it won't give you the same depth of flavour. For the most authentic taste, try to use fish sauce where possible.

2. Where can I buy authentic Thai ingredients in Ireland?

Asia Market is your one-stop-shop for all your Thai cooking needs. We carry a wide selection of authentic Thai ingredients, from curry pastes to sauces, spices, and herbs, so you can cook authentic Thai food at home.

3. Can I make my own curry paste?

Yes! Making your own Thai curry paste is a great way to customise the flavours to your liking. Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to blend ingredients like chillies, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal to create your own paste.

4. Is Thai food always spicy?

Not all Thai food is spicy! Many dishes are mild and rely on other flavours like sweet, sour, and salty to create balance. If you don’t like spice, you can adjust the heat level in your cooking by reducing or omitting chillies.

Conclusion

These 10 must-have ingredients are the foundation of authentic Thai cooking, helping you create the bold, balanced, and aromatic flavours that make Thai food so special. With the wide range of Thai ingredients available at Asia Market, you’ll be well-equipped to bring the flavours of Thailand into your kitchen.
 
Shop the best Thai ingredients at Asia Market today and start creating your favourite Thai dishes at home!