“Gaeng Paa” (
แกงป่า) is a curry without coconut milk that is traditionally prepared in the rural areas of northern and northeastern
Thailand. It is based on a spicy curry paste and is usually prepared with meat or fish as well as various vegetables and herbs.
Originally, it was probably prepared with everything the forest or jungle had to offer, which is probably where the name “Jungle Curry” comes from, although
“Paa” can actually be better translated as “forest.” Wild game was often used as the meat component, and the large amount of herbs could have helped neutralize
an overly intense game flavor.
