The 15 Spices Thailand is Known For

Thai food is some of the most delicious on the planet. From interesting proteins to yummy grains, Thailand is known for its stunning cuisine. But the thing that makes Thai food so special? Its spices.

Some spices used in Thai dishes are common in the United States, while others are more specific to the region. To understand the depth of flavor and uniqueness of Thai cuisine, let’s dive into the 12 spices Thailand is known for.

You’ll recognize some and learn about Thai culture from others. You may not be able to pick up all of these delicious ingredients from your local grocery store, but now you’ll know some of what makes Thai food so special!

1. Ginger

Ginger is one of the most prominent herbs used in Thai cooking. It’s called Khing in Thai, and the spice is used in a few different ways in Thai cuisine. It’s often a garnish, or it’s a component of curry pastes. Ginger also has medicinal uses and is known to be good for your stomach!

2. Cinnamon

One of the most recognizable spices that Thailand is known for is cinnamon. While Americans often use cinnamon exclusively in sweet dishes, the spice appears in a wide variety of Thai foods. In Thailand, you’ll see cinnamon show up in stews and soups, bringing a little warmth to the flavor.

3. Basil

Basil is an incredible herb used in cuisine all around the world. It plays a prominent role in Thai cuisine. The herb appears in almost every Thai dish and brings brightness to the flavor of the meal. There are a few different types of basil used in Thai cooking, though there aren’t significant differences in flavor between basil types.

4. Galangal

This root is in the ginger family but has a bit different flavor. Galangal is one of the spices that Thailand is known for, and while it looks like ginger, it has a unique flavor. Galangal tastes hot and earthy, while ginger is notable for its freshness and intensity.

5. Chili

There are a few different types of red and green chili used in Thai cooking, making it one of the spices Thailand is known for. Some of the chilis add spice, while others are milder, used to add depth of flavor. Prik chi fa is one of the milder types of chilis cooks use in Thailand, and it’s often utilized as a garnish because of its flavor.

6. Coriander

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is one of the best-known spices in Thailand. The ingredient shows up in Thai cooking in a lot of different ways. Thai cooks use all portions of coriander in their cooking, as different parts have different flavors. You can find coriander in lots of parts of a meal, including as a garnish.

7. Turmeric

Another root herb that Thailand is known for is turmeric. Turmeric is related to ginger but has a distinct flavor profile. In most cases, turmeric is converted from a root into a spice powder that has a distinct color. It has a unique flavor and aroma that shows up in a wide variety of Asian cuisines.

8. Lemongrass

Another recognizable spice that Thailand is known for is lemongrass. Lemongrass has a distinct flavor and brings brightness to Thai dishes. Even more common than basil, lemongrass shows up in almost every single Thai dish. The ingredient can be in salad dressings, curries, soups, and more.

9. Garlic

Used in cuisines all around the world, garlic is one of the most known spices in Thailand. It shows up in Thai cuisine in a few different ways, often incorporated early on in the cooking process to provide a foundation for the flavor. Garlic is in stir-fries and soups, as well as dipping sauces. This versatile ingredient is really important to Thailand’s flavor profile.

10. Pepper

While we often take pepper for granted, its bite and flavor serve an integral purpose in Thailand’s cuisine. It’s a portion of the flavoring for all sorts of soups and curries in Thailand, and is often used as a garnish, as well. Pepper is a global ingredient, showing up as an important part of many countries’ cuisine. White pepper is more commonly used than black pepper in Thai food.

11. Marsh Mint

Bringing a little freshness to Thai cuisine is the marsh mint. Marsh mint thrives in wet places, hence the name. Thai cooks incorporate the ingredient into soups and curries or set it atop final dishes as a garnish, adding a little lightness.

12. Kaffir Lime Leaves

Another ingredient that Thailand is known for is the kaffir lime leaf. These leaves are some of the rarest and most expensive in the world, but they’re a staple in Thai cuisine. A lot of curries use the juice of the lime, but the leaves bring a unique flavor to the dish, as well. You can think of them like the Thai equivalent to a bay leaf.

13. Shallots

Common around the world, shallots are another important ingredient in Thai cuisine. These onions are the preferred type in Thailand, bringing a delicious flavor to stir-fries and curries. Shallots can also be the star of the dish in Thailand, appearing in Thai-style fried shallots!

14. Cumin

Dishes in Thailand take advantage of both cumin and cumin seeds. Cumin seeds are some of the most expensive spices in the world, but cumin powder is more common. Lots of different Thai sauces utilize cumin and cumin seeds, including curries.

15. Tamarind

Interestingly enough, tamarind is a fruit! Despite being one of the spices Thailand is known for, this fruit has to undergo specific preparation to be delicious. When eaten raw, tamarind is too sour and intense. After cooking, the spice brings a sharpness and sourness to curries, soups, and desserts.