Massaman Curry – Everything you need to know about this delicious Thai curry served at Thai Square

As a signature Thai curry dish, Massaman Curry is known as one of the 50 best dishes in the world according to the survey done by CNN in 2017. With a Muslim origin in its name, Massaman Curry has interesting theories on its origin. While some believe that this Thai curry was first introduced at the Court of Ayutthaya by a Persian merchant named Sheik Ahmad Qomi in the 17th Century, others suggest that this curry dish is greatly influenced by both Indian and Malaysian food culture.

Regardless, the first recipe of Massaman curry was written in 1889 by Lady Plean Passakornrawong. Her version was called ‘Chicken Massaman Curry with Bitter Orange Juice’. Since then, there have been many variations of this popular Thai curry dish.

Using different ingredients and spices to create a spicy, creamy and savoury flavour, Massaman Curry soon becomes not only a must-have item on the menu of Thai restaurant but also the favourite dish at the Thailand restaurant in London.

Common Ingredients Used in Creating Massaman Curry

What is interesting about Massaman curry is that the ingredients used in creating this curry dish, which some of them are unusual or rarely used in Thai dishes, and also, the mixture of these ingredients have given the dish its unique flavouring. Some of the most common ingredients include;

  • Coconut Milk
  • Cashews or Peanuts
  • Bay Leaves
  • Cumin
  • Cloves
  • Cinnamon
  • Palm Sugar
  • Potatoes
  • Fish Sauce
  • Star Anise
  • Cardamom Pods
  • Tamarind Sauce
  • Chili
  • Nutmeg

 

Many of the spices, herbs and flavouring used in creating this delicious curry dish may not come from Thailand, instead, they were brought to the country over the centuries. For instance, Star Anise is an ingredient originated from Northeast Vietnam and Southwest China. Though they are not commonly used in other Thai curries, these ingredients have made the Massaman curry paste unique and flavourful.

As for the choice of meat used in making this curry dish, the chefs in Thai restaurant commonly add chicken in the dish. Still, some also use other types of meat, including beef, prawns, duck, and even pork on some rare occasion. Tofu or other vegetables are also used in making this curry dish as a vegetarian option, and interestingly, some would use fruits, for example, oranges or pineapples, as substitutes for meat in the dish. Adding the meat, fish sauce, potatoes and chillies with the paste, a delicious Massaman Curry is then ready to serve.

Serving with either chicken or lamb, our chefs at Thai Square, the best Thai restaurant in London, use fresh ingredients imported daily to create a scrumptious Thai Massaman Curry, which has soon become our customers’ favourite dish. There is no doubt that our Massaman Curry will be one of the best Thai dishes that you cannot find elsewhere in London. Therefore, if you are interested in tasting this appetising Thai curry dish, Thai Square will be the perfect place to go.

We have recently reopened our Thai Square at Islington, one of the best Upper Street restaurants. Book your table now and we are looking forward to seeing you at Thai Square in Islington.

 

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