It’s So Spicy I’m Gonna Faint! Southern Thai Dishes Only For the Brave
Southern Thai food is a fiery fusion of flavours. We use a lot of turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and of course, an abundance of chillies that will make your taste buds dance – or cry, depending on your spice tolerance!
These five spicy dishes in Southern Thailand are only for the bravest souls. They aren’t your typical tourist-friendly meals; these are the real deal, the dishes that make even seasoned locals break a sweat. Are you ready to test your limits? Let’s dive in!
1. Gaeng Som (แกงส้ม)
Known as Gaeng Leung (แกงเหลือง) in central Thailand, this sour curry is a staple in southern households. Made with a paste of fresh turmeric, garlic, shallots, and fiery bird’s eye chillies, it’s typically cooked with fish and various vegetables like bamboo shoots, green papaya, coconut shoots, and mixed vegetables.
The sourness comes from tamarind, giving it a unique tang that complements the heat. To balance out the spiciness, pair it with Moo Hong (หมูฮ้อง), a sweet braised pork belly dish that’ll soothe your burning tongue. Any local restaurant offers this dish. Our favourite Gaeng Som is at Raya Restaurant and Bangpae Seafood.
2. Kua Kling (คั่วกลิ้ง)
This dry curry is the epitome of southern Thai spiciness. Minced meat (pork, beef, chicken) is stir-fried with a curry paste made from chillies, lemongrass, garlic, and a myriad of spices. The lack of coconut milk means there’s nothing to temper the heat – it’s a pure, unadulterated spice explosion.
Pair it with plenty of fresh vegetables like cucumber to help cool your palate. My usual go-to dish to pair with this is Pak Miang Tom Kati (ผักเหมียงต้มกะทิ). The cooling taste of coconut milk and lots of vegetables can help you cool down a lot. We like the one at The Charm and Ton Mayom Phuket.
3. Gaeng Prik (แกงพริก)
Literally translating to “chilli curry,” Gaeng Prik is not to be messed with. This curry has no coconut milk either and is loaded with bird’s eye chillies and a lot of black pepper, a combination that guarantees smoke out of your ears. This dish is interesting as it depends on each family’s recipe; some have a bit of soup (ขลุกขลิก), while others will be more soupy.
The combination of protein and vegetables can range from anything at all, from seafood to pork ribs. The heat is relentless, building with each spoonful. To survive this one, order a side of Moo Kua Klua (หมูคั่วเกลือ). Scientifically, the fat from that pork helps wash out the capsaicin molecules from your tongue and even coats it as a shield! Our favourite one is at Mor Moo Dong.
4. Gaeng Tai Pla (แกงไตปลา) or Gaeng Pung Pla (แกงพุงปลา)
This is perhaps the most infamous curry in southern Thailand. Made with fermented fish innards, it’s an acquired taste even for locals. The curry paste includes a hefty amount of chillies, turmeric, and various spices, creating a potent, spicy, and pungent dish. It’s usually cooked with bamboo shoots, eggplant, and long beans.
This one goes well with Kanom Jeen, and you will find it in every Kanom Jeen restaurant. The version I love the most is from Tom Mayom. I usually have this one with a hard-boiled egg. I often order Thai iced tea to help cut through the heat and the pungent smell!
5. Pad Phed Sataw (ผัดเผ็ดสะตอ)
The name says it all: this is a spicy (phed) stir-fried dish that will set your mouth on fire. Stink beans (sataw) are stir-fried with shrimp, pork, or squid, along with a generous amount of Southern-style chilli paste. If you’re sitting near the kitchen, you absolutely know when they cook this dish, as the spiciness of the fried chilli paste will hit your nose first. The unique, slightly bitter flavour of the beans combined with the spicy sauce creates a dish that’s both pungent and fiery. Pair it with fried fish to help balance out the heat.
Remember, these dishes aren’t just about the spice – they’re a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Southern Thailand. Each bite tells a story of our region’s history, blending influences from various cultures into something uniquely southern Thai. So, if you’re up for the challenge, give these dishes a try. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the heat!
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