How is curry used around the world?
Today curry can be found all over the globe with some of its most popular variations being found in Japan (curry rice), Thailand (green or red Thai curries) and Britain (the classic chicken tikka masala). In addition to these countries however there are also several others which have embraced this spicy delight.
Curries can be found in different forms all across South east asia and literally in places which are far flung across the globe.
The type of curry that is considered most famous would likely depend upon which region you ask – for example those from Southeast Asia might say green or red Thai curries while Indians might point towards traditional Indian varieties which again vary from region to region.
No matter what type it is though one thing remains certain: Curry holds an important cultural significance no matter where it’s enjoyed!
Current usage of the word curry
The term “curry” spread to other parts of the world from India, and today, it is commonly used to refer to a range of South Asian-inspired dishes that are served in Western countries.
When people in western countries hear the word “curry” they often think of a spicy, flavorful dish that is made with a combination of spices and served with rice or bread.
Some common ingredients in Western-style curries include onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili peppers, although the exact spices used can vary depending on the recipe and the region.
In many western countries, “curry” is also associated with a particular type of restaurant or takeaway, where customers can order a variety of different curries to go.
Curry from around Asia – Some Popular Southeast Asian Curries
Curry is a term now used to describe a variety of dishes originating from different countries and cultures, including India, Thailand, Japan, and others. Despite its clearly Indian origins, curry has had a significant impact on the cuisine of many countries around the world.
Japan
Japanese curry (known as “karē” in Japanese) is a popular comfort food in Japan and is often served with rice or noodles.
Japanese-style curry typically includes meat and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, and is thicker and sweeter than Indian or Thai curries.
The curry roux used in Japanese curry is made with a blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, but it is milder and sweeter than Indian curry.
Some popular Japanese curry dishes include katsu curry (served with breaded and fried pork or chicken), beef curry, and vegetable curry.
Burma (Myanmar)
Burmese curries are known for their strong flavors and use of local spices, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass.
One popular Burmese curry dish is “ohn no khao swè” a coconut milk-based chicken noodle soup that is flavored with a blend of spices, including turmeric, paprika, and chili powder.
Another popular Burmese curry is “amat hin” a spicy fish curry made with tomato, tamarind, and chili.
Malaysia and Singapore
Malaysian and Singaporean curries are heavily influenced by Indian cuisine, but they also incorporate local spices and ingredients, such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
One popular Malaysian curry dish is “rendang” a dry curry made with beef, chicken, or lamb that is flavored with a blend of spices and coconut milk.
Another popular Malaysian curry is “laksa” a noodle soup that can be made with a curry broth that is flavored with spices and coconut milk.
In Singapore, “curry laksa” is a popular dish that features a spicy coconut milk-based broth with noodles, seafood, and vegetables.
Indonesia
Indonesian curries are known for their complex flavors and use of local spices and ingredients, such as turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and tamarind.
One popular Indonesian curry is “rendan” which is similar to the Malaysian version, but is usually spicier and more complex in flavor.
Another popular Indonesian curry is “gulai” a curry made with meat, fish, or vegetables that is flavored with a blend of spices and coconut milk.
Philippines
In the Philippines, curries are not as commonly consumed as they are in other Southeast Asian countries, but there are some traditional Filipino curries.
One popular Filipino curry dish is “kare-kare” a peanut-based stew that is made with oxtail, beef, or pork, and is usually served with vegetables and rice.
Another popular Filipino curry is “ginataang manok” a chicken curry made with coconut milk and spices such as ginger and turmeric.
Thailand
Thai curries are known for their bold and spicy flavors, and they often include a combination of meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
Thai curries are typically made with a paste that includes ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, chili peppers, and shrimp paste.
Some popular Thai curries include green curry, red curry, and massaman curry.
Green curry is spicier than red curry and is made with green chili peppers, while red curry is milder and sweeter than green curry and is made with red chili peppers.
Massaman curry is a relatively mild curry that is flavored with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and is often made with beef or chicken. Thai curries are typically served with rice or noodles.
Cambodia
Cambodian curries are characterized by their use of herbs such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.
Fish amok is a popular Cambodian curry dish made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices including turmeric, garlic, and chili.
Another popular Cambodian curry is kari sach ko, a beef curry flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves.
Laos
Lao curries are known for their spiciness and often feature local ingredients such as buffalo meat and padaek, a fermented fish paste.
One popular Lao curry is “mok pa” a fish curry that is steamed in banana leaves with a blend of spices, including galangal, lemongrass, and chili.
Another popular Lao curry is “kaeng nor mai” a bamboo shoot curry that is typically made with pork and flavored with a blend of spices including garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
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