Fish sauce (nam pla)

Fish sauce is a pungent and salty mix of fermented fish (typically anchovies), salt and water. It's used extensively in Thai cooking as a seasoning in curries, stir-fries, fried rice, soups and sauces.

Sweet chili sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a thick, hot and sweet sauce made from a mixture of red chili, sugar, vinegar and garlic. It's typically used as a dipping sauce and condiment.

Soy sauce

Soy sauce, which is made from fermented soy beans, is used as a seasoning and condiment.

Rice

Rice is the foundation of most Thai meals, and long-grain varieties such as Jasmine rice are the most popular.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk is made from the liquid extracted when coconut flesh is mixed with water. It is typically used to create the gravy in Thai curries and to make desserts such as sticky rice (made with sticky short-grain rice, coconut milk and palm sugar). Canned coconut milk is the most convenient to use.

Noodles

Noodles such as rice noodles and bean thread (cellophane) noodles are eaten and enjoyed regularly throughout Thailand. Pad Thai which is a fried noodle dish is particularly popular.

Red curry paste

Red curry paste is traditionally made by hand with a mortar and pestle and includes a mix or red chilis, garlic and spices. Good quality pre-made red curry paste is available from most large supermarkets and is very convenient to use.

Green curry paste

Green curry paste is similar to red curry paste, but made with green instead of red chilis.

Peanuts

Peanuts are ground down into a paste and added to curries, soups and noodle dishes, or crushed and sprinkled over foods at the end of the cooking process to add texture.

Bamboo shoots

Bamboo shoots are the edible shoots from a bamboo plant. They are typically yellowish in color and add a crunchy texture to a variety of Thai dishes. Sliced canned bamboo shoots are the most convenient to use.

Peanut oil

Peanut oil is used for cooking dishes like stir-fries, fried noodle dishes and fried rice. As peanut oil can withstand high temperatures, it's also good for deep-frying.