Thai Curry Pastes: Green vs Red vs Massaman

By Lisa Chang · October 9, 2026

Green Curry Paste

Made with fresh green chilies, Thai basil, cilantro roots, and kaffir lime. It's the hottest of the three and has a bright, herbaceous flavor.

Red Curry Paste

Uses dried red chilies soaked and pounded with lemongrass, galangal, and shrimp paste. Milder than green with a deeper, smokier taste.

Massaman Curry Paste

The mildest and most aromatic. Includes spices unusual in Thai cooking: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cumin — reflecting Persian and Indian trade influence.

Heat Comparison

Green: Hot (5/5)
Red: Medium-hot (3/5)
Massaman: Mild (2/5)

Best Protein Pairings

Green goes with chicken and Thai eggplant. Red suits beef and bamboo shoots. Massaman is classic with lamb or potatoes and peanuts.