Prawn Crackers vs Vegan Thai Crackers: What’s the Difference?
- Kat Harrington
- May 6
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever ordered a Thai takeaway, chances are you’ve come across prawn crackers. They’re light, crispy and incredibly moreish. But did you know there’s also a vegan version commonly enjoyed across Thailand and Southeast Asia?
At Kat’s Cuisine in St Albans, we often get asked about the difference between traditional prawn crackers and our vegan Thai crackers. While they may look similar once cooked, they are actually very different products with different ingredients, flavours and cooking styles.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
What prawn crackers are
What vegan Thai crackers are
How they taste
Which option is best for vegans and vegetarians
How Thai restaurants traditionally serve them
What Are Prawn Crackers?
Prawn crackers are a popular snack and side dish served in many Thai, Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurants.
Traditional prawn crackers are usually made from:
Tapioca starch
Prawn or shrimp flavouring
Salt and seasoning
Once deep fried, they puff up rapidly into the light crispy crackers most people recognise from takeaway meals.
Prawn crackers have:
A savoury seafood flavour
A strong aroma when cooked
A light crunchy texture
A slightly salty finish
They pair particularly well with:
Sweet chilli sauce
Thai curries
Satay dishes
Stir fries
At many takeaways in the UK, prawn crackers are often given as a complimentary side with larger orders.
What Are Vegan Thai Crackers?
Vegan Thai crackers are different from traditional prawn crackers because they contain no seafood ingredients.
Instead, they are typically made using:
Tapioca starch
Sweet potato
Pumpkin
Taro
Carrot
Pandan
Garlic and seasoning
Before cooking, they usually appear as small colourful discs or shapes. Once deep fried, they puff up within seconds into crispy airy crackers.
The different colours often represent different ingredients:
Purple = taro
Orange = pumpkin or carrot
Green = pandan
These crackers are very popular across Thailand and are often served during family meals, celebrations and street food dining.
What’s the Main Difference?
The biggest difference comes down to flavour and ingredients.
Prawn Crackers
Contain seafood
Stronger savoury flavour
Traditional takeaway favourite
Not suitable for vegans
Vegan Thai Crackers
No seafood ingredients
Milder flavour
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Often more colourful and slightly sweeter
Many customers are surprised to discover that vegan Thai crackers are not simply “prawn crackers without prawns”. They are actually their own traditional product enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia.
Which One Is Better?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It depends on personal preference.
If you enjoy bold savoury seafood flavour, traditional prawn crackers are usually the favourite.
If you prefer something lighter, milder or plant-based, vegan Thai crackers are an excellent alternative.
Many customers also enjoy having both with different dips and dishes.
How Thai Restaurants Serve Them
In Thailand, crackers are commonly served:
Before meals
Alongside spicy dishes
With chilli dips
With papaya salad
With sharing platters
Because they are light and crispy, they help balance richer curries and spicy flavours.
At Kat’s Cuisine, we love serving authentic Thai food that reflects the variety found across Thailand, including both traditional prawn crackers and vegan-friendly alternatives.
Looking for Authentic Thai Food in St Albans?
At Kat’s Cuisine, we specialise in freshly prepared Thai takeaway dishes inspired by authentic family cooking.
From Pad Thai and curries to vegan options and traditional Thai sides, we aim to bring the flavours of Thailand to St Albans.
Explore our menu today at www.katscuisine.co.uk
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