Massaman Curry
Photo: Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

History

Massaman curry came to Thailand through Persian Muslim traders in 17th-century Ayutthaya. The name derives from Mussulman (Muslim). The dry-spice profile (cinnamon, star anise, clove, cardamom) is unique among Thai curries and traces directly to subcontinent influence. Often called the world's best dish in viral CNN polls; Krua Apsorn, Blue Elephant and Issaya Siamese Club run defensible Bangkok versions.

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Common allergens: Shellfish (shrimp paste), Coconut, Peanut, Fish sauce

Make it at home

Yield 4Hands-on 30 minTotal 2 hr 30 minDifficulty Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 800g beef chuck or shin, cut into 4cm chunks
  • 800ml coconut milk (full fat)
  • 200ml coconut cream (the thick top)
  • 5 tbsp massaman curry paste
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 600g waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 4cm chunks
  • 2 medium yellow onions, cut into wedges
  • 100g unsalted roasted peanuts, plus more to garnish
  • 4 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 4 tbsp palm sugar
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Steamed jasmine rice and roti, to serve

Method

  1. Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Spoon in the coconut cream and cook 4 minutes, stirring, until the oil splits and the cream goes from white to amber.
  2. Add the massaman curry paste, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves, star anise and bay. Fry for 3 minutes, stirring, until aromatic and the spices bloom.
  3. Add the beef and toss to coat. Brown the meat for 6 minutes.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and 400ml water. Bring to a bare simmer.
  5. Cover and braise on low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  6. Add the potatoes, onions and peanuts. Continue to simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until potatoes are tender and beef is fork-soft.
  7. Stir in the tamarind, palm sugar, fish sauce and salt. Taste; the balance should be sweet, sour, salty and gently spiced. Adjust as needed.
  8. Rest 10 minutes off the heat so the spices settle. Lift out the whole spices before serving if you prefer.
  9. Ladle over jasmine rice with extra peanuts scattered on top. Pair with warm roti for soaking the sauce.

Tip from the editors. Massaman improves overnight; the spices bloom and the sauce thickens. The peanuts should still have texture; do not overcook them to paste.

Where to eat massaman curry

Massaman Curry in Bangkok

Krua Apsorn Dinso ★ 4.6

฿฿ Thai

Krua Apsorn Dinso is royal-influenced thai room from 2003 in the old town with bib gourmand stir-fries, the local lunch room missed by tour groups.

Why locals goRoyal-influenced Thai room from 2003 in the Old Town with Bib Gourmand stir-fries, the local lunch room missed by tour groups.

TipClosed Sundays. The Dinso original is better than the newer branches. Lunch through 19:30 only, last seating 19:00.

Directions

Blue Elephant Bangkok ★ 4.4

฿฿฿฿ Royal ThaiSilom Sathorn

Blue Elephant Bangkok occupies the 1903 Thai-Chinese Sino-Portuguese mansion on Sathorn, royal-Thai tasting menus from Chef Nooror Somany Steppe.

OrderThe royal-cuisine set menu; the massaman curry and pomelo salad are the canonical openers.

TipThe 1903 colonial-era building is part of the experience; ask for a table on the upper floor for the carved-wood detail.

Directions Book

Issaya Siamese Club ★ 4.4

฿฿฿ Royal-influenced ThaiSilom Sathorn

Issaya Siamese Club in Bangkok's Sathorn is Chef Ian Kittichai's heritage Thai room in a 1920s villa, the room that put modern Thai on Asia's 50 Best.

OrderThe massaman lamb shank, the pomelo salad and the banoffee dessert in the jar.

TipGarden tables for evenings, indoor villa room for monsoon season. Sunday brunch is the best value introduction.

Directions

Saneh Jaan 1 ★ ★ 4.0

฿฿฿฿ Tasting ฿3,500ThaiChef Pilaipon 'Toy' Kamnag

Saneh Jaan in Bangkok's Sindhorn Glasshouse runs royal-influenced central Thai cuisine, one Michelin star, with a smart-casual dining room and Sukhothai-era.

Book2 weeks ahead

TipLunch is the value play with set menus from 850 baht. Reservations on own site; smart casual dress code.

Directions

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