I had to come back and tell you that I have always used Thai Kitchen brand curry paste for convenience since it’s the only one at my supermarket. After watching this video I made a trip to an Asian grocery and picked up a tub of Mae Ploy green curry paste. I made my usual chicken curry recipe that I usually use Thai Kitchen brand for and I was blown away by the difference! I’ll never go back!

@embracethesuck1041

Жыл бұрын

I'm with you. It's generally the only one available but I'd go as far as to say it's terrible.

@maxmotors9497

Жыл бұрын

If you taste it alongside mae ploy you will definitely think it’s terrible

@cristinalisette6247

Жыл бұрын

I bought that Thai kitchen one and threw it out after one use. I'm lucky that I have a lot of Asian markets near me.

@Enclave.

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, everybody should know where their local Asian grocery store is.

@ruthvazquez7236

Жыл бұрын

I would buy two Thai red curry paste containers because it was so bland. Now I used two TB of Mae ploy 😂

What’s even more bizarre is that the huge tub of the Aroy D curry paste usually costs less than the little jar of the thai kitchen curry paste haha!

@tkjho

Жыл бұрын

Thai Kitchen is imported by McCormick Canada, a company that charges a lot for its spices.

@gourmetsportsman

Жыл бұрын

That's because he market is different. Aroy D is targeted to Asian (for the most part) and Thai Kitchen is for hipsters.

@killerdustbunnies

Жыл бұрын

@@gourmetsportsman for a long time Thai Kitchen was the only available option in my local supermarkets. Now that other brands are more easily found and Asian markets are becoming more common, it looks like we should all be experimenting to find our own "best" options.

@T33K3SS3LCH3N

Жыл бұрын

It's the first one I bought because I went to an Asian import shop (the kind that advertises international cash transfers in 10 languages because at least 90% of their customers are immigrants/guest workers) and honestly just picked the cheapest one per kg. I later noticed that most Asian fast food places in my city use the same.

@nailily

Жыл бұрын

Thai kitchen is pushed by westerners so it's not surprising to me that it's more expensive than Asian brands.

Glad you mentioned the mae ploy had shrimp in it. I am violently allergic to shrimp in any form so you saved me a lot of misery.

@paulwomack5866

7 ай бұрын

I imagine you're an avid reader of ingredient lists, and it *is* declared (just checked)

@theclimbingchef

2 ай бұрын

I think the aroy is shrimp free....I used it a lot with vegan cooking

@Yengi-cw2ox

2 ай бұрын

If you can read (and presumbly you can if you can type) you will not need to worry

@williammccarthy5248

Ай бұрын

Aroy-D contains “shrimp powder” according to a screen grab of its label on Amazon.

@toxicitysocks

27 күн бұрын

@@williammccarthy5248 I noticed the same thing unfortunately. I have a shellfish allergy so looks like I have to go with maesri or homemade.

I saw this video and am guilty of having Thai Kitchen red curry paste in my pantry. Well, I immediately ordered Mae Ploy per your recommendation on this video- wow, what a huge difference! You’re my go to now for all my Thai cooking. Gave you a “thank you”- if folks appreciate Pailin like I do, don’t be cheap, give her a Thank You!

I am an ex South African used to great curries because we have millions of Indians living there. Now living in Ireland. I was shocked how people make curries here. Everything tastes like salt vinegar and a very low grade curry powder- mostly yellow. Recently there has been an influx of very high quality Thai restaurants so now we have access to great food. Of course the supermarkets have your least favourite brand which probably is best for the people here as they are not used to eating spicy. I have taken to getting MaePloi online. Really great. I was surprised to find it’s made by an Asian family living in the USA. Thanks for your great video. Your work is amazing. I follow Maanchi for Korean and you for Thai food. I have cooked a few of your recipes and deeply impressed my Thai girlfriend.

@halleyevans1980

6 ай бұрын

Why is it so bad? Isnt it beautiful??@@daraj123

I love these types of informative video. Im sure they're time consuming to make but the info is 100% worth it

@El_Revienta_Vientre

Жыл бұрын

Facts, like how worth it’d be to get a best shrimp paste video

I am a native Thai people. For the instant chilly paste, my mother occassionally use the brand "Nam Jai" because it sale in small portion that just enough to make curry in 1-2 times and it also cheap. One small pack, about 100 grams, is just 20 THB.

@victorpereira225

10 ай бұрын

I'm the opposite, my son will eat his weight in Thai red curry so I have to buy the largest size I can find.

@toujours405

6 ай бұрын

Is there a specific Thai brand you recommend? I've seen Somjai and Jarome brands as well from Thailand.

@knguyen4435

4 ай бұрын

​@toujours405 didn't you watch 13:31 the video ???

@toujours405

4 ай бұрын

@@knguyen4435 Did you? That brand is called Thai Kitchen. I'm asking about Jarome and Somjai brands???

Your second test really brought this taste test a level above others that I've seen -- I really liked how you tried to create the best dish possible while working with the less flavorful paste! So thorough, well done, thank you!

Why I love Pailin's channel: so thorough A test of the curry on its own and then also a taste test of it with ingredients in it. Perfectly done!

@723snoopy

Жыл бұрын

Agreed! A clear and consistent method of evaluation!❤

@aaronwhite1786

Жыл бұрын

I appreciated her taste testing fish sauce, because even as someone who likes to think they've got a pretty good palette for someone that's grown up entirely in the US Midwest...I don't think it's wide enough for me to be tasting straight fish sauce.

@DMSProduktions

Жыл бұрын

@@aaronwhite1786 Palate:It's NOT paint!

@aaronwhite1786

Жыл бұрын

@@DMSProduktions I use it as both paint and food. Gotta maximize resources.

@DMSProduktions

Жыл бұрын

@@aaronwhite1786 HAHAHA! Nice 1!

Thank you. This solved a mystery for me. Red curry paste in the various peanut sauce recipes has always baffled me. Thai Kitchen is in that small, convenient jar. It's easy to use a small amount periodically, however, I always ended up using 3-4 times the amount called for. Now, I know why.

@El_Revienta_Vientre

Жыл бұрын

Facts, now we need that “what’s the best shrimp paste?” Video

@altaroxllc3184

Жыл бұрын

As Uncle Roger might advise you, if you are gringo...use the white amount, not the right amount! 😜

Just tried the Mae Ploy paste. The results were spectacular. Made a huge pot with 4 pounds of chicken and 6 cans of coconut milk. I used 12 tablespoons. I also added one large thumb of julienned ginger and a stalk of lemon grass shaved into paper thin slices. It was my best curry in 20 years.

@horrido666

Жыл бұрын

You must have had a party! Add a little lime juice next time.

@xavariusquest4603

Жыл бұрын

@@horrido666 I use lime leaf. It makes for a more balanced end product. I do have fresh lime on the table. And yes...maxed out both rice cookers.

@givepeaceachance5834

3 ай бұрын

@@horrido666Are you Jamie Oliver?

I have purchased Thai Kitchen occasionally when I wanted to save the time of driving to the Asian grocery store and I always regret it. The last time I kept adding paste until I dumped the whole jar in and it still tasted bland. Never again! Thank you for this taste comparison!

At university in 1970, my Thai roommate's mom would send him/us real Thai curry paste; it was Mae Ploy. We used Indian yellow curry mixed with ground cayenne pepper, and evaporated milk as substitutes for the Thai curry and coconut milk. Nowadays, I can buy Thai eggplants, fresh galangal, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass, and bergamot in Dallas. I retired to Thailand so now, no worries. Mae Ploy is still my favorite. Thanks for confirming my bias. Love your channel.

@naiadolling

Жыл бұрын

Using evaporated milk to sub coconut milk is actually pretty genius. Guess I’m making curry tonight after all! Thank you for the tip.

@rickybobby599

5 ай бұрын

​@@naiadollingif you have coconut oil even better ❤

@naiadolling

5 ай бұрын

@@rickybobby599 I’ll definitely keep that in mind! I typically have coconut milk and oil on hand.

@lakicia30

4 ай бұрын

What part of Thailand did you end up in? I worked in Bueng kan and chiang mai, and have of course visited Bangkok and Phuket

@AA123TD

29 күн бұрын

Where can you find galangal in Dallas? I have been trying to find so I can make rendang.

I had been using Thai kitchen for years because it was the only one I could find without added chemicals. However it is CRAZY expensive and so weak that I needed to use the whole jar for one meal. I had stopped making beloved Thai curry the past year because of the cost. Recently I found one at the Asian supermarket that didn't have any added chemicals. I just went and checked the brand and saw that it is Mae Ploy!! Excited to try it now for some authentic good spicy flavour! Thank you Pailin.

@honeybunz4353

Жыл бұрын

When I make Vegan Thai curry, I use Thai Kitchen. It's about $4 for 4 oz and $15 for 35 oz container. I order it from Amazon, usually from Amazon grocery, so I have it at my door when I get home from work. I would agree it's my least favorite because it's not as flavorful, but it's vegan.

@coolnewpants

Жыл бұрын

@@honeybunz4353 Have you tried the Aroy-D pick she recommends for vegetarians? The ingredient list (shown at the 2:33 mark) seem like it should work for vegans as far as I can tell

@honeybunz4353

Жыл бұрын

@@coolnewpants thank you, I'll be on the hunt for it.

@123goldenlily

Жыл бұрын

I'll use Thai kitchen for the same reason, but I'll also add some extra chillies and spices. I'll definitely have to try Mae Ploy though!

@brandon3872

Жыл бұрын

Once you try Mae ploy, you'll never look back. It's definitely the best choice, it's authentic and and widely available.

I love experimental food videos like this! Thank you so much Pai!

I love a blind taste test! This is so helpful since I’m not cooking Thai food often enough to do my own comparisons. Good job!

Love this. Now I know why not spicy enough. Please do one for green curry paste too!

@kalivang3992

Жыл бұрын

I vote for this!!

@pesto12601

Жыл бұрын

Do one for EVERY curry paste.. Massaman, Green, Yellow, Panang, etc!

@vinstinct

Жыл бұрын

Yes. We need the green!

@chooilinquek8655

Жыл бұрын

Yess, please do this for every paste! 🙏🏼

@silentone11111111

Жыл бұрын

Great. Now one on green curry 😀

This was a really valuable test to see! Shopping for ingredients I'm unfamiliar with can be very challenging so I appreciate you for taking the time to evaluate them in an objective way (with alternatives and workarounds as well!)!

I just came across this video randomly, and wow, what a well executed blind taste test and assessment. It was so informative and I'll now be changing my curry paste brands going forward. Thank you. You've earned a new subscriber!

I love how on depth your videos go. This is the level of detail I love but people rarely give!

Fascinating ! Great job ! Nice to see options for those that crave the more authentic flavors vs those that are ok with weak curries !

I love this style of video with the blind taste tests, it would be cool to see more of these!

I'm so glad I found your channel! I'm a 50+ man in the U.S. Midwest....you really break this stuff down for the novice and make me want to try some of these dishes.... Thank you so much for making this so much fun !

This makes me feel so much better! I've used thai kitchen and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong when making curry.

Good call out for the Arroy-D coconut milk - just started using their milk and their coconut cream too and my curries have been much nicer

@krophiquon

Жыл бұрын

it is tasty. too bad they abuse animals to harvest the coconut. I don't know what brand to buy any more

I like the little cans of Maesri. I stir fry the paste to bloom it and dump in a can of coconut milk, and it makes just the right size batch with nothing to store after opening. It makes a nice base, and then you can add whatever you want to make it a little spicier to your own tastes.

omg thank you for taking the time & effort to film this!!!!

I love that you tested the curry pastes. We finally made some curry noodles with Aroy-D and I missed the flavor as it’s what my mom used growing up. I wasn’t aware of the other brands as well, so you just introduced me to new products!

I used maseri and found the directions on the bottom ask for you to use more then other brands ! I think it’s intentional so you don’t end up with leftovers in the can that can go off. Even though you used the same weight, each brand will ask for different amounts. You could re test going with their instructions and see if they taste better

@melissablick779

Жыл бұрын

Maesri is my favorite. My thai friend in college recommended that brand.

@KnickKnackPatty

Жыл бұрын

I just freeze my leftovers but tbh, I only use half a can at a time. Internet Shaquille also has a fun video with ideas on what to do with leftover curry paste

@lisahinton9682

Жыл бұрын

@Rohan LG I agree! Her logic on that was way off. And adding water to equalize the weights was bizarre, too. But, she probably doesn't have a science background, which is fine, of course, but the experiment was flawed from the get-go. Oh, well, still gave us a lot of insight on each of those brands.

@shllybkwrm

Жыл бұрын

I also use Maesri because I'm allergic to shellfish and it's always marked vegan!

@penelopepalm

Жыл бұрын

I love the maesri but am not surprised she picked the one she’s used to. Use the instructions on the package instead of her “standardized” for best results

I used the Thai Kitchen for a while, but I lived in a fairly rural area at the time and that was what the grocery store had. I used Maesri a bit when I could get that, but my go-to for the past few years has been Mae Ploy, which I am able to buy in the cardboard cartons at a local Asian shop.

Thank you so much for always breaking things down so clearly Pailin. You're the best!

Thank you for making this video! Also thank you for being so thorough with testing all of them. I’m used to using Mae Ploy too and then if I don’t have that then I use the Aroy-D. It was interesting to hear how they all compare though cause I’ve definitely seen those other brands at the store too but I’ve just never had the chance to try them.

I usually use the watery not so spicy curry paste as a spread on sandwiches. It tends to spread more easily and is not too hot. Just some curry paste, salad greens, maybe turkey slices or chicken breast and peanut butter.

@PailinsKitchen

Жыл бұрын

Now THAT is a use I never thought of!

@charliep9066

Жыл бұрын

Such a smart idea, I'm going to try this ! Thanks !

@shuhadea

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the idea❤

@El_Revienta_Vientre

Жыл бұрын

@@PailinsKitchen best shrimp paste video next? 🙂 (please)

@brucetidwell7715

Жыл бұрын

Never would have thought of that but, Wow!, that takes a chicken sandwich to a new level.

This video is exactly what I needed! I have been looking for the perfect Thai curry paste. Thank you! I have been buying Mae Ploy for years. I am gald to know you picked this brand as your top choice.

Excellent review. So thorough and the explanation of how to compensate if we are using the weaker ones is fantastic. I have both weaker ones and had no idea that not all red curry pastes are created equal.

I love Thai food! your videos are very informative. I just received your book on the mail. Cant wait to try all the recipes!

Great job! I predicted a similar outcome. Members of my family are allergic to shrimp, so finding a good shrimp free brand can sometimes be a challenge. When I tried to make paste from scratch, I found there are as many curry paste recipes as there are Thai granny's.

@shllybkwrm

Жыл бұрын

I'm allergic too. I usually buy the Maesri because it's marked vegan!

@joythanapat1378

9 ай бұрын

The shrimp paste is the one important recipe of the curry paste. However, the vegetarian period (week) is the new healthy trend for thai people. This is the reason that the curry paste is produced with no shrimp paste. There are few companies to produce.

@VitaleFMCG

5 ай бұрын

Try Blue Elephant guys its completely vegan and handmade!@@joythanapat1378

This was really interesting! I always use Maesri because it's plentiful at the Asian grocer, and it's vegetarian. To hear your thoughts on it being watery was really intriguing, because I've always noticed how wet the paste it. I will definitely consider a different option if it's available (and vegetarian) at my grocery store, even if only to give it a try! Thanks for doing this, Pailin!

I use Maesri myself, but I normally double up the amount of paste and add a few extra herbs or spices; I like the extra colour you get from it.

@alexcarter8807

Жыл бұрын

The Maesri in the little cans comes in a ton of flavors too - my local H Mart has about a dozen of them.

@mellio9077

Жыл бұрын

I love cooking with Maesri too. It’s the same for me. I use a whole can for a big pan of curry, and adjust the flavors with fish sauce, lime and sugar.

@spencerschneider9115

Жыл бұрын

I've also tried all the same Red pastes and prefer Maesri as well. I think it has decent heat and is prepared and tastes 'fresher' than the others. That said, my go to yellow paste is Mae Ploy, hands down!

@ExpensiveGun

Жыл бұрын

Can't beat Maesri Panang Curry paste. It's my go-to.

@El_Revienta_Vientre

Жыл бұрын

Maesri is nice, but having a “what’s the best shrimp paste?” Video review/shootout would be nicer 🙂

I love this video so much! Thank you for putting in the work!!!

Thank you so much Pailin. I love Thai food, but as a French Canadian. I didn’t know what to buy, for authentic taste of Thai cuisine. And you are a great teacher. 💖💖💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏🙏

So glad you did this. Namjai is the most commonly available thai curry paste in India so I use it by default but always wondered if it was actually accurate tasting or not

I really like this kind of video, testing brands and cooking with the brands. Its an addition to the recipes video. Thank you!

Just gotta say I love your channel soo much and you've helped me improve a lot with Thai cooking 😊

I'm so impressed by how thought out your comparison "experiment" was, down to taking account of evaporation! This video answered a question I've had for years and I'm so glad you had 3 top choices because I've noticed that almost every Asian store carries a different variety!

Maesri fan here! I love that I can have unopened tins of various kinds stacked up in my pantry. And totally agree with others - using the whole tin helps a lot in the final result. I'll definitely have to try the Aroy-D next time!

@PandoraBear357

Жыл бұрын

I think her test is flawed. Since the pastes themselves are not the same recipe, weight, and consistency to begin with, adding the same amount of coconut milk, sugar, and then water to the lighter weight ones is not actually fair.

@d.y.e3803

Жыл бұрын

I am also a Maesri fan. I just use more paste and less coconut milk. My nong has also used Maesri at her very popular Thai restaurant for nearly two decades. Greetings from Los Angeles

@mooreandless

8 ай бұрын

I use the entire can of Maesri curry paste for chicken or tofu curries.. but add garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, lime leaves, coconut milk and sugar. A little lime juice at the end. Its inexpensive and handy to have tins in pantry!

Excellent video. I was always curious what to use because there are so many options, buy this was a great way to narrow it down. Also the testing was fair and thorough.

I’ve only been eating Thai food for about six months, and I bought several different Maesri pastes, and we’ve loved the curries we’ve made with them-yellow, Penang, massaman, green, but not red as I was afraid it would be too spicy. I really appreciate this taste test, and how you separated the different flavors in your review.

Great video! When I cook with the Thai Kitchen pastes, I often use the whole jar and stil have to add more fish sauce, and thai chilis to get it to be on par with homemade pastes.

@z-z-z-z

Жыл бұрын

a part of me died inside after watching the results...due to accessibility i also use "thai kitchen." i also use the whole jar, add fish sauce, and chilis. i even add ginger paste, garlic paste and lemongrass oil.

My friend made a curry recipe from a Blue Apron meal kit, and it tasted really good, so to recreate it he did a bunch of research and determined that Mae Ploy yellow curry paste was the way to go. Cool to find out that Mae Ploy seems to be a popular and good choice!

Good experiment! I love red curry, and I appreciate knowing which brands you found best presented authentic Thai flavor. Thanks for sharing.

Palin, Thank you Thank you , Thank you !!! As Always , Another Outstanding Presentation !!! Thank you so much for taking the time ( and effort ) to give this GIFT to all of your followers !!! God Bless !!!

I'm currently recovering from Covid. I have no smell or taste. I love red curry and my wife uses one of your preferred brands. I think I'm going to ask for a good strong red curry so I can enjoy something for a change. I love your channel and your recipes! Thanks for your efforts!

I braised chicken thighs and breasts this evening in a curry sauce containing onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, peanut butter, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, a package of frozen stir fry vegetables, and Thai Kitchen red curry paste. I used a whole 4 oz. jar. There was no noticeable heat, and not much curry flavor. I wound up dumping in a bunch of hot Hungarian paprika, and wishing I had added some diced jalapeno when I was sautéing the onion and garlic. Thai Kitchen is the only curry paste carried by the two supermarkets where I do most of my grocery shopping. So it looks like a trip to an Asian Market is in order, to stock up on real curry paste and a few other things.

I've been using Mae Ploy, as that is what I find in the Asian markets here in Washington State, and the Curries I've made with them have turned out really good, I do add some Thai chilies, but not nearly as much to something I would cook without curry paste as I enjoy a nice kick. I've been cooking some stuff for my parents and my mom really enjoys the spicy dishes I've tried from your videos so thank you, thanks to you I have put a smile on my moms face many times.

Thank you for doing this! I do wish it was easier to find brands other than Thai Kitchen, but this at least explains why I’ve always ended up using the whole jar for a single meal!

Mae Ploy is a fool proof choice. Lobo is good, most Thais I know use Mae Ploy or Lobo. Aroy-D is too hot for my preference. I remember in Thailand I bought some Mae Ploy sachets to take home. The sweet lady behind the counter smiled and said: Many restaurants use this brand, but they will kill me for telling you... She was 43 but looked like 27. By the way, Nittaya is a good brand also. Quite authentic.

@lyphishart

Жыл бұрын

@@ebisu8824 Excuse you?

@kathachareonpong2001

Жыл бұрын

I think Lobo is a lot better more balance taste. Mae Ploy actually their main specialty is coconut cream (Chaokoh), chill sauce and thai sea food sauce.

@theguynextdoor4978

Жыл бұрын

@ZrOfucks2give Thai Kitchen is inauthentic, and watered down, they got some of the ingredients right. But Mae Ploy, Lobo and Nittaya are my faves so far.I trust the products of Thailand more.

@theguynextdoor4978

Жыл бұрын

​@@kathachareonpong2001 I use Lobo too since they don't sell Mae ploy locally for some reason. I always stock up on mae ploy sachets when I'm visiting the neighbouring countries.

@gchow6009

Жыл бұрын

Never seen Namjai in Los Angeles area. Mae Ploy is number 1 choice among my Thai friends who used to own Thai restaurants. I also use Mae Anong sold in big bag.

This was really interesting, and though I worry you'd get bored of doing it, I'd looove to see you do the same test with the other types, especially yellow and panang and green! Could be a good little series and playlist...

This is so helpful, Pailin! Thank you ❤

Thank youuuu. Very impressed with your serious blind taste test, and how you are trying to upgrade your bottom pick! Keep the good work^^

I had no hopes for Thai Kitchen. That's the one I see at Target. I am glad Mae Ploy is up there. That's my go-to paste as well. I'll see what is carried in my local Asian grocer out of curiosity, as I haven't heard of Namjai before this video. Thank you for doing the work and sharing your thoughts

I'm Hmong, born and raised in the U.S. and growing up, my mom has used and still uses the Aroy-D brand. As I've cooked on my own, gotten older, expanded my tastes, I find that the Aroy-D brand is just too salty for me, and, the last few times, had a bitter aftertaste. With a lot of the paste being packaged like it is (in a bag, then stuffed into the plastic container), I could never use it up either, so it was wasting precious fridge space. Living on my own, I came across the Thai Kitchen brand at my local grocery chain because I was new to the area and not aware of any Asian grocers yet, so of course, I purchased one jar and cooked with it to make khaopoon/curry noodle soup. Never again, as I noticed right away the difference - I used the whole jar plus Three Crabs brand fish sauce and it was still not tasty! Recently, I've come to love the Maesri brand that my boyfriend one day randomly chose from our trip to the Asian grocer we found near us. Because it's shelf stable, contained in a small batch, not too salty, and delicious even without fish sauce (based on my preference), the brand is perfect just for us two. When I'm making a large amount of curry for my siblings or many guests, I'm fine to buy a lot of the small Maesri cans, plus, I already have a good handful of their cans in my pantry for my curry cravings 😋 I have not tried the other two brands yet, but maybe I will in the future to see if I like them. Thanks for reviewing these brands! I like these kinds of videos, hope you can do more. Have a good one!

@babycakes8434

Жыл бұрын

You can buy large container of Maesri and keep it in the freezer. I cook only for myself in big batches and that is what I do. Maesri doesn't freeze in the freezer, so you can use it all the time without it being hard like a rock. It goes bad in the fridge though.

@PhysioDetective

Жыл бұрын

You would have really liked Maesri 10-15yrs ago - much better and more concentrated. Now it seems to have become milder :/

@SnackPacks10

Жыл бұрын

Yesss I agree I love maesri. I used Thai kitchen once before, and it was before I even knew much Abt Thai food but I still didn't like it at all. Plus it's like really expensive for some reason.

That was fun and informative to watch. Thanks!

Honestly it’s a tough video to make and you did such a wonderful and fair evaluation. Thank you!

About 15-18 years ago, Thai Kitchen bought off the shelf at the standard supermarket actually had some oomph. Within a few years later, it suddenly became bland and lackluster - the recipe very obviously changed, probably to placate westerners that didnt like the intensity of flavor and spice. We stopped using it. We ventured into making our own and were blown away by the flavor difference and intensity (no brainer), but have switched to mae ploy for ease of use and similarly good flavor. Haven't tried the others.

@kathcares

Жыл бұрын

Possibly it was a smaller company that got bought by a large corporation. Another commenter mentioned that it's made by McCormick. It may not have always been a McCormick brand.

@MikehMike01

Жыл бұрын

Sorry you have destroyed your pallet with overseasoned food 😂

@jonestacara

Жыл бұрын

Even westerners want quality and authentic flavor. Why not just eat the boring flavors you like instead of watering down something good. Makes no sense to me but these large corporations always find a way

@TheDuckofDoom.

Жыл бұрын

​@@jonestacara It is really on the retailers and customers. The retailers don't have anybody with knowlege of the products to curate the stock so you get generic crap that ticks a box. The bulk of customers are totally clueless about ingredient quality and many are such bad cooks that good ingredients would just be wasted anyway. Customers that do know food generally travel to specialty stores, which further skews the sales in common supermarkets in a sort of feedback loop.(This all relative to areas near large coastal populations. The economics are totally different in very rural towns.) Chain retailers all seem to use some undercooked algorithm to make half of their stocking decisions, and the other half is left up to brand merchants that basically buy a section of shelf space and stock it themselves. (eg If you see all of one brand of spices, cookies, or beer clumped together rather than mixed brands organized by product type, then that is most likely entirely stocked and organized buy a distributer and not the retail store. Same for most promo displays.)

When I started making Thai curries around 25 years ago, Maesri was most readily available in local Thai groceries. But it was more intensely flavored back then. The green curry for example was practically “Thai hot,” and I did not use the entire can. Today, when I make green curry with Maesri, I use the entire can. And it’s there’s definitely less heat. So the formula must have changed over the years. UPDATE: on second thought, it has been years, but there’s a chance the brand I used was Mae Pranom. I somehow remember the face of a Thai lady on the can.

@nightclawer6679

Жыл бұрын

Mae pranom is known for her sweet& spicy chicken dipping sauce

@wobblysauce

Жыл бұрын

Your heat tolerance could have gone up also over the years.

@crownstupid

10 ай бұрын

I too have been a Maesri fan. Green Curry Maesri was the best around for years, and I had to really dial it back cooking for 2 with one can. Few days ago I made Panang Maesri and I put in like 75% of the can and we were both complaining about it not having enough flavor. I think when they changed their can to have then little rounded top on one side they also changed their recipe. It's not the same that it was.

Good methodology on the blind tasting! I just got served your channel as a suggestion and am intrigued enough to subscribe.

I've been using Maesri Panang Thai curry for quite some time now, and always enjoyed how it came out, but will now I have to try your favorite. Thanks for sharing this informative taste test.👍🏻♥️

You must have read my mind! I love it! I have wondered about the Thai Kitchen brand [I'm from Thailand and cook a lot]. When I tried it, I got the effect exactly like your analysis. Now could you please do one on coconut milk? Chao Kao used to be my go-to brand... not any more... The old one that they offer - kind of white color can - used to be the greatest but now it's watery. The green color can has a hint of coconut but on my tongue it feels like powdered coconut reconstituted. And the taste - is awful! I could go on...

My family mixes Mae Ploy and Maesiri together. And I love how it turns out 😂 to each their own! thanks for the video !!!!

@esskay3805

Жыл бұрын

Hey!!! My family does too!! 🎉

Thank you so much for this... I'm always at a loss when it comes to curry paste so many out there.. appreciate you making a full test

Great video! Very informative and objective without being too dry to watch. Thank you! Will definitely go for Mae Ploy

Pailin we NEED this for green, yellow and massaman!! 😍

Well, thank you-I feel better. I *tried* making curry with Thai Kitchen curry paste once, and I was really disappointed. About a decade ago, McCormick used to make a (very reasonably priced!) dry seasoning pouch for tikka masala. My family LOVED it; and I’ve also seen people post online about a much-beloved butter chicken seasoning pouch. As Thai and Indian food gained more popularity in American markets, McCormick inexplicably discontinued both products! Instead, they came out with a bunch of “ready made” sauces and “just add water/microwave”-style products that were EXORBITANTLY expensive…and not nearly as good. I’m pretty sure there was nothing wrong with the discontinued products, but they figured they could make a lot more $$$ by implying Indian/Thai food is just “too hard” for Americans to attempt. It was greedy, and wrong, and a darn shame.

Thanks Pai! Really informative video. I have wondered what the differences are between the various commercial curry pastes. And I feel happily justified that I always reach for Mae Ploy 😊👍. Happy New Year to you and Adam!

@AdamHotThaiKitchen

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bran and same from here!

Gee you are good - a very clinical and scientific approach! I have just subscribed and will go through all of your other videos. Thanks!

My friends and I had used Thai Kitchen red curry paste just last week and we ended up using the entire jar because of how weak the flavor was! Even then, the flavor barely came through. Glad to know it wasn’t just us!

Your tests went pretty much how I thought they would (for the 4 brands that I've seen before -- including the Thai Kitchen -- even tho I haven't tried it). Including expecting the Maesri to be weak once you started measuring similar amounts of each (by weight), and especially since you added water to the recipe. (Directions from the can are just 1 can of curry paste + 1 can of coconut milk with no extra water). I also do like that the individual cans don't take up room in the fridge (or freezer) since I'm usually tight on space there. And yeah not having shrimp paste does make it more convenient when you need to accommodate vegan friends. Also, it would've been a bit more interesting to have done the "try to make it good" version with both of the bottom two, but doing it with the TK probably was most helpful for people who have limited access to Asian grocery stores.

@4saken404

Жыл бұрын

If you're short on space and/or refrigeration Aroy-D also makes this stuff in single-use packets.

Thank you Chef! Very informative and useful!

Thai Kitchen is what I use because it’s the one that’s available. I’ve found it to be quite good flavor wise with the conversion 1tbs in recipe = 1/2 jar of Thai Kitchen

Pai I am so happy to see another installment in your INGREDIENTS 101 list. Finally a Thai curry paste video! Will we ever see Adam?

@AdamHotThaiKitchen

Жыл бұрын

Hi Skating! :) It's not in the plan so far (revealing my secret identity after so long) - but who knows? :) Thanks for asking though! :) Hope 2023 been good to you so far? Cheers! Adam

I loved your approach of taking the weakest sauce and still trying to give it the boost that it needed. Great video 👍.

I’m so glad you made this video! This explains why I’m not happy with the flavor of my Thai food. Very helpful!

Such a thorough job on this exercise - I will continue to stick with Mae Ploy. I used to buy the fresh paste in Bangkok markerts like otokor but honestly its a bit of hit and miss and nearly always super salty and spicy and hard to have consistency unless you always stick with the same supplier, but I guess that is also part of the fun, shopping around and experimenting. Thanks for all your hard work, best Thai channel of all time. Sawasdee pi mai 2023!

@eugeniogonzalez5651

Жыл бұрын

Hi Greg!!! I have tried the pastes in Otokor…. most consistent for me which i have used for 40 years is from the stall of Tu

@hunkhk

Жыл бұрын

@@eugeniogonzalez5651 thank you for letting me know, I will check that one out next time appreciate the tip.

It was a nice test, but did you cook them all according to packaging instructions? because i noticed that you added a lot of water to them. I know for maesri you're not supposed to add water (well the one i have doesn't list to add water) which is probably why it tastes weak and diluted. Mae ploy has always been my go-to and it does tell you to add water. I'm sure the weight used per serving for each paste varies as well

Such a great video, and so helpful! Thank you.

This is so good to know. I have used Thai Kitchen for years and always have to at least triple what the recipe calls for! I guess I just need to go to the Asian grocery store for curry paste too. Thanks for doing this!

Great comparison! Speaking of Maesri, it seems like they changed the formulation when they moved to a tincan form factor. I have Maesri from last year that came in a plastic container like the top 3 brands and it has way more flavor in general, whereas now you need to add more paste to get the right flavor but it ends up being too spicy. I will be buying one of the other brands going forward!

@colinmattson589

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that’s a weird thing I also found about Maesri: they sell tubs and tins and sachets and jars and they are NOT all the same recipe. Mae Ploy, as you might reasonably expect, simply sells the same paste in different quantities.

@currymuttonpizza2

Жыл бұрын

Glad I'm not crazy! I had been buying Maesri and I always felt something was missing, but when you add more paste it's too spicy. Or at least, too spicy with not enough reward from the other flavors!

This is an excellent example of why recipes need to specify what brands are used as they can have a huge impact on the final product!

this is very informative! thanks Pai!

I appreciate your hard work. This is so useful because I’m not Thai but I love Thai food! Now I can try to make it at home. Thank you

I tried green curry pastes extensively. I remember that Maesri felt like straight chili paste: hell-heat and zero flavor (I'm surprised their red paste wasn't spicy). I did like Lobo brand. I had to get only half a serving because it was too spicy for me but it still had flavor. And I don't remember liking Thai kitchen. Sounds like I should check out Mae ploy too :))) I wish they made flavor blend and chili separately, so we could adjust flavor and heat independently. Thanks for the video!

I was so nervous when this video was published. I am happy that the Chef likes the same paste I have been using for years -- Mae Ploy. I prefer the yellow curry paste that doesn't have shrimp 🦐, hence i can make vegan curry .... just double check the ingredients list. Thank you for sharing ....

Your evaluation is so true. I used the own jar of Thai Kitchen curry paste and still feel there is no enough curry taste to it. But this is the only option around my area. Will definitely look online for the other recommendations that you have. Thank you for the information.

This was very informative. Thank you very much. Will be making curry this weekend!

I worked for decades at an Asian Market in Hawaii and by far Mae Ploy was our best seller by a lot. We even sold it by the case to Thai Restaurants and Food Trucks. Just the overall popular choice. My personal choice also. One problem is the Shrimp Paste for Vegetarians. I think only the Yellow version didn't have it, so they would buy another brand.

I used to live in an area where you could really only find Thai Kitchen. I also wasn't able to order stuff online at the time (lack of delivery options back in the day). I always doubled or tripled what the recipe called for. Now that I'm back in Seattle, where there are plenty of Asian food markets, I get Aroy-D.

I JUST made red curry last night and I always use Maesri! My mom uses Aroy-D and told me she prefers it more but it looks like we both should be using Mae Ploy lol This was so helpful, thank you!

I'm so glad because Mae Ploy is the one I have used for years and love for my red curry. And explains why I really didn't like the green curry I made with Thai Kitchen because I needed something convenient.

Thank Pailin! Before Christmas I amassed the ingredients for Red Thai Curry Paste using the 'School of Wok' recipe. This is not easy in the UK. One of the things I miss about Vancouver is the Asian stores everywhere (and Thai Restaurants). Here in the UK I had to order most things on line. Anyway, I was just too busy to make paste and ended up throwing out most of the ingredients. I searched for paste on line and found out that my local supermarket (Sainsburys) stocked My Ploy, even though I have never actually seen it there. I went and asked an employee where they were hiding it. I was initially told that they didn't carry it, but after a search on their system they actually found it. It was even on sale at £2.97, which is really cheap. I tested it last night and I found that it did not have the flavour that I was getting from the 'School of Wok' recipe I was using, but it was not bad at all. It is fairly 'hot', but with the amount of veg that I use it balances out nicely. A dash of fish sauce (1/3 of what I would normally use) and some palm sugar cheered it up. I didn't add any salt to my rice as you suggest, as there is plenty in the paste. Now I can make quick Friday night Thai Curry for my wife! I can even make a quick lunch to cheer up a rainy day.

@El_Revienta_Vientre

Жыл бұрын

Love Pailin and respect her knowledge, its why a “what’s the best shrimp paste?” video would be really appreciated ❤