The must-have sauces and condiments you need to recreate your favourite Thai dishes at home

We’ve all been there: you’re struck by a sudden craving for pad see ew but when you venture to the pantry to grab the ingredients, there’s not a bottle of dark soy sauce to be seen. A dinnertime disaster, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

When it comes to recreating your favourite Thai dishes at home, it pays to be prepared – which means stocking up on some all-important items. And while dark soy sauce is a good starting point (be sure to buy some here, if you're running low), there are plenty more flavoursome dressings that deserve a spot on the shelf.

Most Thai sauces and condiments can be categorized into two main groups: hot and spicy or sweet and mellow. First up in the hot and spicy corner is red curry paste – an absolute must-have if you’re attempting something like a classic chicken curry. Full of chillies, garlic, shallots, lemongrass and kaffir lime rind, it provides just the right amount of heat to your meal. Grab a tin of the good stuff here. 

And don’t forget about prik khing, either. This dry-style curry paste is on the mild end of the spice spectrum, and pairs best with crispy pork. Load up here and prepare for a taste sensation.

Then there’s Thai chilli sauce. Bright red in colour and made from chilli peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt, it may look potent but it only has a moderate kick to it. Score some here and enjoy it as a dipping sauce or matched with seafood.

In the sweet and mellow zone you’ll find a total crowd-pleaser: Thai sweet chilli sauce. If you don’t already have this in your kitchen arsenal, head straight here and add to cart. A primarily sweet condiment with hints of sour and spicy notes, pull it out when you’ve got some deep fried chicken that needs dipping.

Finally, we have coconut milk – the all-rounder of Thai cuisine. An essential ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes, it’s high in fibre, low in carbs and rich in nutrients. Purchase here and whip up a to-die-for dessert like mango with sticky rice. 

Stick to these sauces and condiments, and you’ll be mastering the art of Thai cooking in no time – you can thank us for the tips later. And to stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the Thai Trade Centre, check out their Facebook.