Panang Curry — The Most Popular Dish at Takhrai Thai
Ask our kitchen which dish goes out the most every service and the answer is always Panang Curry. It is mild enough for guests who avoid heat, complex enough for experienced Thai food lovers, and comforting in a way that makes it genuinely hard to choose anything else.
Light, slightly sweet coconut milk curry with bell peppers, carrots, and a finishing touch of kaffir lime leaf — Panang is a Thai classic that our chef has been making from scratch since 1999. No paste from a jar. The base is prepared in house.
What is Panang Curry?
Panang curry originated in central Thailand and is one of the mildest and richest Thai curries. It gets its name from Penang, Malaysia, reflecting the cross-cultural influences of southern Thai cooking. Unlike green or red curry, Panang has a thicker consistency and a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavour profile. Kaffir lime leaf — torn and added just before serving — gives it a distinctive citrus fragrance.
At Takhrai Thai, we serve Panang curry with fragrant jasmine rice and your choice of protein. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, and the heat level is gentle — making it one of the most family-friendly dishes on our menu.
Choose Your Protein
- Vegetarian / Eggplant — $17.95
- Chicken or Pork — $17.95
- Beef — $18.95
- Roast Duck, Mock Duck, Calamari, or Shrimp — $19.95
- Scallops or Mixed Seafood — $20.95
What Does Panang Curry Taste Like?
Rich, creamy, and mildly sweet with a gentle warmth. The coconut milk creates a velvety base, the bell peppers and carrots add a fresh crunch, and the kaffir lime leaf lifts the whole dish with a clean citrus note. It is filling without being heavy. Most guests finish every drop of the sauce with their rice.
How to Order
Panang Curry is available for dine-in, takeout, and online ordering through iMenu4u. We are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Call us at (858) 549-1848 or order directly from our website.
Build Your Meal
Panang Curry pairs well with a lighter starter. Try our Fresh Veggie Rolls or Thai Dumplings to begin. If you are at the table with someone who enjoys more heat, Drunken Noodles and Panang Curry together make a perfect shared order — one bold and spicy, one rich and mild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Panang curry is a Thai curry made with coconut milk, bell peppers, carrots and kaffir lime leaf. It has a thicker, creamier consistency than red or green curry and a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It is one of the most popular curries in Thai cuisine.
Panang is the mildest curry on our menu. It has a very gentle warmth rather than spicy heat, making it a great choice for guests who are new to Thai food or prefer less spice.
Chicken and beef are the most popular choices. Roast Duck Panang is a favourite for guests who want something richer. Shrimp Panang is a lighter option. All are delicious.
Yes — order it with tofu or eggplant as the protein and it is fully vegetarian. Ask our team about vegan preparation if needed.