How to Stock a Thai Pantry: 10 Essentials Every Home Cook Needs
New to Thai cooking? Start with these 10 essential pantry staples — from fish sauce to curry paste — and bring authentic flavours to your kitchen.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate Thai food at home — that rich, spicy, slightly sweet and deeply savoury flavour — you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a restaurant kitchen or exotic chef skills. With just a few key ingredients, you can cook authentic Thai dishes in your own kitchen.
Here’s a guide to the 10 must-have Thai pantry staples to get you started.
1. Fish Sauce (Nam Pla)
The salty soul of Thai cuisine. Used in everything from Pad Thai to soups and marinades, fish sauce adds deep umami and complexity. Look for Thai brands like Tiparos, Squid Brand, or Megachef — all available in our store.
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2. Oyster Sauce
Thicker and sweeter than fish sauce, oyster sauce adds body and richness to stir-fries like Pad See Ew or broccoli with beef. A must-have for balancing salt and sweetness.
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3. Soy Sauce (Thai-Style)
Yes, there’s a difference! Thai soy sauce is often lighter and slightly sweeter than Chinese or Japanese versions. Use light soy sauce for seasoning and dark soy sauce for colour and depth.
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4. Thai Curry Pastes (Red, Green, Yellow)
These aromatic blends of chilli, lemongrass, galangal, and spices form the backbone of countless Thai curries. Just fry a spoonful in oil, add coconut milk, protein, and veg — done!
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5. Coconut Milk
Thai curries, desserts, and even soups like Tom Kha Gai rely on creamy coconut milk. Stock both regular and lite versions for different dishes.
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6. Palm Sugar
Sweeter and more complex than white sugar, palm sugar adds depth to curries, dipping sauces, and dressings. It’s essential for achieving true Thai flavour balance.
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7. Jasmine Rice
This fragrant long-grain rice is the perfect base for almost any Thai dish. Fluffy, aromatic, and non-sticky — it’s a staple for a reason.
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8. Rice Noodles
From Pad Thai to soups and salads, rice noodles are incredibly versatile. Stock different widths: flat for stir-fries, thin for soups or light salads.
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9. Dried Chillies or Chilli Flakes
Use them for oil infusions, stir-fries, or to make your own chilli pastes. Thai dishes often layer heat — these are great for adjusting spice to your liking.
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10. Tamarind Paste
This tangy-sweet paste adds acidity to dishes like Pad Thai, Massaman curry, or dipping sauces. A little goes a long way, but it’s essential for that unique Thai sourness.
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Final Thoughts
With just these 10 ingredients, you can cook dozens of classic Thai dishes at home — and adjust the spice, sweetness, or richness to your liking. Once your pantry is stocked, you’ll never go back to takeaway-only Thai food.
Ready to get started?
