What to Serve with Thai Curry? 13 Best Side Dishes

Thai curry is like a warm hug, but what do we serve it with? We’ve got you covered. We all know the thrill of opening that takeout container, only to realize you’re missing that perfect sidekick.

From fluffy jasmine rice to crispy spring rolls, the options are endless. We’ve all tried that one combo that just didn’t hit the spot. Sometimes you experiment, and sometimes you go classic. It’s all about balance, right?

Sticking a spoon into something new is exciting, so let’s sort through the options together. Whether it’s a mellow mix or a spicy friend you crave, there’s plenty to choose from! We’ll help discover something tasty to pair with your curry.

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Thai Curry

Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve alongside your Thai curry:

Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor	Difficulty	Time
Coconut Jasmine Rice	Jasmine rice, coconut milk	Creamy, fragrant	Easy	20 mins
Mango Salad with Mint and Lime	Mango, mint, lime	Fresh, tangy, sweet	Easy	15 mins
Thai Cucumber Relish	Cucumber, vinegar, sugar	Sweet, tangy, crunchy	Easy	10 mins
Roti Canai	Flour, butter, water	Flaky, buttery	Medium	30 mins
Grilled Pineapple with Chili-Lime Salt	Pineapple, chili powder, lime	Sweet, smoky, spicy	Easy	15 mins
Pickled Ginger Slaw	Cabbage, ginger, vinegar	Tangy, spicy, crunchy	Easy	15 mins
Sticky Rice with Sesame Seeds	Sticky rice, sesame seeds	Nutty, soft, sweet	Medium	25 mins
Thai Basil Fried Rice	Rice, Thai basil, garlic	Herbaceous, savory	Medium	20 mins
Steamed Vegetables with Peanut Sauce	Broccoli, carrots, peanut sauce	Savory, creamy	Easy	15 mins
Papaya Salad (Som Tum)	Papaya, peanuts, chili	Sweet, spicy, crunchy	Medium	20 mins
Garlic Chive Pancakes	Chives, garlic, flour	Savory, crispy	Medium	30 mins
Charred Baby Bok Choy	Bok choy, soy sauce, garlic	Smoky, savory	Easy	15 mins
Lemongrass Soup	Lemongrass, broth, lime leaves	Citrusy, aromatic	Medium	30 mins

These dishes provide a variety of flavors—sweet, tangy, fresh, and savory—that pair well with the bold and aromatic nature of Thai curry.

1 – Coconut Jasmine Rice

Feeling coconutty? Coconut jasmine rice is our cozy go-to for any Thai curry night. The rice’s soft aroma and sweet coconut notes create a harmonious balance.

We like to toss in a few toasted sesame seeds. It adds a nutty crunch that’s simply unbeatable.

Make sure the rice is fluffy—we prefer the 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio for that.

Got leftover coconut milk? Reduce some of it. Serve drizzled on top for extra yum.

2 – Mango Salad with Mint and Lime

Alright, mango salad with mint and lime. This feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s tangy. It’s sweet. First off, the mango’s juiciness is the star. We use mangoes that are ripe yet firm. Mint leaves? Absolutely essential for that fresh burst. Lime juice makes everything zing.

Our tip: add a splash of fish sauce for an umami kick. Toss in some crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch. Pair this salad with spicy Thai curry. балансnements are superb.

3 – Thai Cucumber Relish

Cucumber relish is crunchy and refreshing. It cools down any spicy Thai curry in seconds.

We chop cucumbers nice and fresh. Try adding onions and chilies for a kick. Mix with vinegar. It’s tangy and crisp.

Our personal spin? Toasted sesame seeds add a nuttier vibe. It’s quick and simple.

Tastes even better after a chill in the fridge. Don’t skip the mint leaves; they brighten everything up. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

4 – Roti Canai

Picture this: flakey, golden Roti Canai dancing beside your curry. We adore its crispy exterior and soft, chewy inside. Tear it, dip it, repeat. Super versatile and fun! Make the dough fresh if you’ve got time.

Serve hot for that comforting feel. Like something extra? Pair it with a little sugar or condensed milk on the side. Absolute texture heaven. Roti tackles spice like a pro and refreshes your palate with each chunk.

5 – Grilled Pineapple with Chili-Lime Salt

Grilled Pineapple with Chili-Lime Salt is a fiesta on a plate. Pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Chili-lime salt adds a bold flavor twist.

We end up snacking on this more than expected. Spice and sweet? A winning combo every time. Perfect side for curry lovers like us. Don’t skip the lime zest.

This dish dances between spicy and sweet effortlessly. We frequently make extra portions. It’s simple, quick, and deliciously refreshing every single time. A must for our next meal spread.

6 – Pickled Ginger Slaw

Ever tried a slaw with a zingy twist? Pickled Ginger Slaw spices things up with ease. It’s crunchy. It’s vibrant. Fresh ginger roots give it that kick. We toss in shredded cabbage; it’s a fiber boost.

Sliced carrots add a sweet crunch. Vinegar marries the flavors together smoothly. Pink pickled ginger invites a pop of color. Got radishes? Chuck ’em in, too.

Chill before serving; flavors mingle wonderfully. Slice and dice, mix it up. It’s a fresh take on slaw.

7 – Sticky Rice with Sesame Seeds

Sticky rice is our go-to for those curry nights. It absorbs the curry perfectly. Sesame seeds add a nutty touch that complements the sticky texture. Serve while warm for full flavor. Try pouring extra curry on top.

We like a splash of coconut milk for richness. This rice can be prepped in advance. Simple to reheat and serve. It’s easy and fills the plate well. We store some leftovers for a quick meal.

8 – Thai Basil Fried Rice

Feeling fried rice vibes? We spot basil everywhere. It’s fragrant. We stir in garlic for that aromatic hit. Quick fry crisp up edges. Yum feelings all around. Crucial part: fluffy rice grains. Clingy ones ain’t it.

Scramble eggs for protein boost. We drop in fresh veggies. Easy munching. Balance spice with soy sauce. Sesame oil adds depth. Simple but good. Lime wedge squeeze? Game-changer zest. It’s versatile. Goes with any curry dish. Quick dinner win on busy nights.

9 – Steamed Vegetables with Peanut Sauce

Boy, do we like a good veggie crunch! Steamed veggies are not only simple but also a treat with some peanut sauce. Peanut sauce makes everything better. Steam broccolis, carrots, snap peas until bright. Add soy sauce for extra flavor.

Want more spice? Throw in a dash of chili powder. Mix roasted nuts for texture. It gets you all that protein too. Don’t forget to really coat those veggies well. Enjoy every bite—we surely do.

10 – Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Papaya salad keeps things fresh and fun. The balance of crunch and spice is unmatched. We love the way unripened papaya shreds soak in tangy lime juice. Toss in cherry tomatoes and peanuts if you’re into textures.

For a twist, add roasted green chili. Keep the fish sauce minimal but for depth. Som Tum can handle some heat. Cucumber offers a cooling contrast. Enjoyably loud on the flavor front, it shakes up any curry meal.

11 – Garlic Chive Pancakes

Garlic chive pancakes stand by us like an old friend. Crispy outside, tender inside. Their flavor profile is simple yet impressive. Mix garlic chives and flour, then fry in a hot pan. Done!

These pancakes surprise us every time. Want extra crunch? Cook a bit longer. Dip in soy sauce for added zing.

The pancake’s fragrance is mouth-watering. Smaller sizes are easier for dipping and munching. Perfect for curry nights or as a standalone snack.

12 – Charred Baby Bok Choy

Charred Baby Bok Choy makes us cheer with joy every dinner. The edges get that crisp char that screams tasty. We like to toss it on a hot grill for speed.

A splash of soy sauce is all it needs. Sesame oil gives it depth. Easy to cook and eat. We enjoy it as a quick veggie fix. It pairs with any sauce we throw its way. Try to have it fresh and warm.

We sometimes add a squeeze of lime for zing. The flavors pair well. Baby bok choy’s tender with a punchy taste. Simple, yet always leaves us wanting more.

13 – Lemongrass Soup

We whip up Lemongrass Soup on a whim. It’s tangy with a herb kick. Lemongrass brightens our broth instantly. A small bundle works magic. Spice? You’ll want some chili. Chop it fine and stir it in.

We enjoy tossing shrimp or tofu for protein. Always add fresh lime juice before serving. Complements the lemongrass so well. Mushrooms? Totally fine by us.

They add a lovely texture. This soup hits those umami notes. Serves anytime, any meal.