Mae Jum Sour Curry Paste (Gaeng Som) is southern Thai cooking at its most uncompromising. Unlike most Thai curries, gaeng som (also spelled kaeng som) is water-based and made without coconut milk. It leads with tamarind's sharp tang, real chili heat and a deeply savory herbal backbone. It's bright, bold and unlike any other curry in the Thai repertoire.
Traditionally, it's cooked as a Thai fish curry with green vegetables or fruit such as young papaya. Anyone who has eaten it in Thailand recognizes it at the first spoonful. Stir the paste into simmering water, then add fish or shrimp and your vegetables. For a vegan version, use tofu and vegetables instead. Not for the faint-hearted.
This curry is a southern classic, and so is Jum's recipe, which comes from her family in Trang province, southern Thailand. The herbs are freshly harvested and stone-ground the traditional way, the same method Jum learned from a young age. Nothing added, no shortcuts. Because there's no fish sauce in the paste, you season it your way, with fish sauce, soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
71g | Very Spicy Heat (5/5) | Vegan | Gluten Free | No Added Sugar | Stone Ground | 100% Natural
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We want you to love every Mae Jum product. If something’s not quite right, we offer an easy, no-questions-asked refund policy.
Authenticity in Every Pack
At Mae Jum, we believe in bringing the true flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. Each pack is crafted with carefully selected, authentic Thai ingredients, ensuring every meal you prepare captures the vibrant, aromatic, and complex flavours of traditional Thai cuisine.
Convenience Without Compromise
Our pastes are here to simplify the cooking process, without sacrificing the rich, authentic taste. With Mae Jum, convenience meets quality, giving you the freedom to create delicious meals quickly and effortlessly.
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We know how important timing is in the kitchen. That’s why we prioritize fast and reliable delivery, ensuring your Mae Jum products arrive at your door when you need them. With clear communication and dependable service, you can plan your meals with confidence.
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We care about more than just food, we care about your experience. Our friendly and responsive customer support team is always here to answer your questions, address any concerns, or offer cooking tips. We’re here to ensure your full Mae Jum experience is as enjoyable as the meals you create.
FEATURED IN THE DAILY MAIL
“The Thai curry pastes from Mae Jum are some of the best I’ve tasted, full of spice, heat and Siamese succour.”
— Tom Parker Bowles, Food Critic
I was born and raised in Thailand, where there was an abundance of herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables growing around my family home. It wasn't in a garden or vegetable plot, it was just here, there and everywhere! From a young age, I was often the one asked to blend the herbs and spices in a stone pestle and mortar, until my arm was about to fall off. I didn't enjoy it, but in hindsight, it taught me all I know..
Today, my family's traditional blend of newly harvested herbs are stone ground to make a fresh paste, which is combined with a mix of whole spices that have been pan roasted to extract the natural oils before being finely ground.
We do not add any sugar, oil, shrimp paste or any artificial preservatives, additives or coloring to our fresh blend which is then mildly pasteurized to retain the natural qualities and goodness so you can enjoy that distinctive aroma of fresh herbs and spices when you open the packet.
Each 2.5 oz pack of Mae Jum curry paste makes about 8 servings — plenty for a family meal or a couple of nights of leftovers (if it lasts that long!). Just add coconut milk, protein, and vegetables of your choice.
Every curry has its own personality! Our spice levels range from 1 to 5, so there's something for everyone — from the gentle warmth of Massaman (1/5), a fiery kick of Red Curry (3/5) or intense heat of a Jungle Curry (5/5).
Check the spice rating on each pack to find your perfect match, and remember: you can always adjust the heat by adding more or less paste to your dish!
To cook the ultimate traditional Thai dish, you may want to add the following ingredients: Fish sauce, palm sugar or shrimp paste.
Although you can still produce a beautiful Thai meal without these extra ingredients from using Mae Jum Thai pastes.
Keep opened packs of paste in fridge, where it'll stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks.
For longer storage, portion it into an ice cube tray and freeze — that way you'll always have curry paste ready whenever the craving strikes.
So much more than curry! Beyond the classic coconut milk curry, our pastes are wonderful stirred into soups, marinades, stir-fries, fried rice, or even mixed into dips and dressings. A little goes a long way in bringing bold Thai flavor to almost anything.
Check out our recipe page for inspiration!
