Different core ingredients Thai cooking leans on a distinctive pantry: fish sauce for salt and depth, fresh galangal and lemongrass for fragrance, kaffir lime leaves for that unmistakable citrus lift, palm sugar for a rounded sweetness, and fresh chillies pounded straight into curry pastes. Chinese cooking, by contrast, typically builds its flavour from soy sauce, five-spice, fresh ginger, rice wine and cornflour-thickened sauces. Where Thai food often reaches for fresh herbs

Discover authentic Chicken Satay, Thailand's famous grilled chicken skewers served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. Learn what makes this popular Thai starter so special and enjoy freshly prepared Chicken Satay in St Albans at Kat's Cuisine.

Discover Moo Ping, Thailand's famous grilled pork skewers. Learn what makes this popular Thai street food so special and enjoy authentic Moo Ping in St Albans at Kat's Cuisine, served with our delicious sweet chilli dipping sauce.

Panang curry is a creamy Thai favourite with gentle spice, coconut richness and aromatic flavour. Discover why it is a popular choice at Kat’s Cuisine in St Albans.

Discover what home-cooked Thai and Isan food really means, from fresh ingredients and traditional recipes to authentic cooking methods inspired by Thailand.

Discover the difference between traditional prawn crackers and vegan Thai crackers, including ingredients, flavour, texture and which option may suit your diet best.

Why is Thai food so spicy? Discover the history of chillies in Thai cuisine, how flavour balance works, and what to expect when ordering in the UK

Discover the best Thai food for kids in St Albans. Explore mild, tasty, and family-friendly dishes that children will enjoy.

Red vs Green vs Massaman: Which Thai Curry Calls Your Name? Thai Green Curry Vibe: Bright, fresh, and herbaceous — the most vibrant of the bunch. Flavour highlights: Fresh green chillies, Thai basil, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves. Aromatic and slightly sweet, with a lively herbal kick. Spice level: Often the boldest heat of the three curries (thanks to fresh chillies), but ours is tuned mild to medium — gentle warmth with tons of freshness. Best for: Herb lovers wh

If you're after a Thai curry that's gentle, richly spiced, and full of soothing warmth rather than fiery kick, Massaman Curry is the ideal pick. Creamy, subtly sweet, and deeply comforting, it's a crowd-pleaser for anyone wanting Thai flavour without the intense heat. At Kat’s Oriental Cuisine in St Albans, our Massaman stands out as a go-to favourite for milder tastes. Freshly prepared to order, it brings authentic, home-style Thai comfort delivered across AL1, AL2, AL3, and

For those who love Thai dishes that wrap you in comforting heat and layered richness, Thai Red Curry delivers every time. Bold, velvety, and deeply satisfying, it's the curry that hits all the right notes of spice, sweetness, and savory indulgence. At Kat’s Oriental Cuisine in St Albans, we prepare our Red Curry fresh to order, making it a standout favourite on our takeaway menu. Dive into authentic Thai flavours delivered right to your door across AL1, AL2, AL3, and AL4. Che

Planning food for a group can be stressful — especially when you’re trying to make sure everyone is catered for safely. Whether you’re organising a birthday party in St Albans, or a family celebration at home, dietary requirements are often the first thing people ask about: Can you cater for vegan guests? Is Thai food gluten-free? What about nut allergies? Can it still taste authentic? At Kat’s Oriental Cuisine, we provide authentic Thai catering in St Albans, and we regularl

Planning catering in St Albans or Hertfordshire with mixed dietary requirements? From vegan and vegetarian guests to gluten-free diets and allergy considerations, authentic Thai food can be adapted safely without compromising on flavour. This guide explains how we tailor Thai catering to suit dietary needs while keeping every dish delicious and clearly labelled.

Thai cuisine has captured hearts and taste buds far beyond its borders, and its influence on vegan eating worldwide is stronger than ever. From bustling street food stalls in Bangkok to trendy plant-based restaurants in London, New York, and Los Angeles, vegan Thai dishes have become global favourites. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s rooted in Thailand’s rich food culture, which naturally aligns with plant-based principles through its ingredients, flavours, balance, and

Thai cuisine is one of the most vibrant and exciting in the world, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami flavors. At Kat's Oriental Cuisine, we love showing how vegan Thai food works incredibly well! Many traditional Thai dishes are naturally plant-based or easily adapted to a vegan lifestyle, making it an ideal choice for anyone embracing vegan eating. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options, the vegan Thai recip

black-vs-white-sticky-rice-kats-cuisine.jpg Alt text: Close up of black sticky rice and white sticky rice used to compare colour, texture, and flavour.

If you’ve visited Kat’s Oriental Cuisine lately, you’ve probably noticed something exciting, we’ve expanded our menu to include authentic Isan food alongside our classic Thai dishes**. A lot of customers have asked us: “Wait… isn’t Isan food just spicy Thai food?” Not quite! While Isan (also called Issan or Esan) cuisine is 100% Thai, it comes from the Northeastern region of Thailand and has its own bold, punchy personality. Think of it like this: if Central Thai food is Bang

Isan, Thailand’s vast Northeast, is more than a region. It’s a living story of survival, spirit, and celebration. At Kats Cuisine in St Albans, we’re proud to share the culture that shaped us. Let’s journey through Isan’s remarkable past. Where Is Isan, And Why It’s Unique Covering 20 provinces and one-third of Thailand, Isan sits on a high, dry plateau between the Mekong River and Cambodia. Red soil, endless rice fields, and extreme seasons forged a people known for resilien

Few dishes represent Thailand as beautifully as Pad Thai. With its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savoury, it has become a global favourite — from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the dining tables of St Albans. At Kat’s Oriental Cuisine, St Albans, it’s one of our most-loved dishes, offering comfort, flavour, and a touch of nostalgia. A Dish Born from History Pad Thai has a surprisingly modern origin. It was popularised in the 1930s by Thailand’s Prime Minister, who e

One bite of Papaya Salad and you’ll know why it’s Isan’s most loved dish. Crunchy, sour, spicy, and sweet all at once. At Kat's Oriental Cuisine, we make it fresh every day, just like back in Maha Sarakham What Is Papaya Salad? This iconic Isan starter starts with shredded green papaya, unripe, crisp, and perfect for soaking up bold flavours. We pound it fresh with: Fresh lime juice Chilli (mild to Thai hot) Fish sauce or soy for vegan Palm sugar Roasted peanuts & cherry toma