Thai curry paste is now a mainstream item in most UK supermarkets. The main choice is not the shop but the colour of the jar, since each one makes a different curry.
Where to find it
Look in the world food aisle, in the Thai or South East Asian section, usually near the tins of coconut milk. Some stores also keep jars in the regular curry and spice aisle. If you cannot find it, ask a member of staff for Thai curry paste.
Red, green or yellow
Red curry paste is medium to hot and is the all rounder for everyday curries. Green curry paste is the hottest of the three and has a sharper, more herbal taste. Yellow curry paste is the mildest, with more turmeric and a warm, earthy flavour, and it suits chicken and potato curries.
Thai brands and UK jars
Thai made pastes, such as Mae Ploy and Maesri, are usually salty and strong, with little added sugar. Many contain shrimp paste, so check the label if you are vegetarian. Own label pastes from UK supermarkets are often milder and sweeter.
Asian grocers and online
A Thai or wider South East Asian grocer stocks more regional styles, usually at a lower price per jar. Buying a few jars online at once is a sensible option if you cook Thai food often.
Storage
Keep the jar in the fridge once opened, and check the label for how long it keeps. Pastes freeze well in small portions if you want to keep them longer.
For a curry to make with red paste, try our Thai red curry with chicken. For a richer, nuttier curry, see our panang curry. Laksa uses a similar paste base, so read our laksa paste guide too.