| Spice Level | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ No Heat | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Mild | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Medium | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Hot |
| Flavor Profile | Bright, citrusy, golden and deeply aromatic — no chilli | Mild, earthy, creamy and gently sweet | Warming, bold, slightly smoky with citrus lift | Fresh, bright, herbaceous and aromatic |
| Color | Vivid golden yellow | Turmeric yellow | Deep brick red | Vivid green |
| Key Aromatics | Lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, ginger | Turmeric, cumin, coriander, mild chilli | Dried red chilli, galangal, lemongrass | Fresh green chilli, kaffir lime leaf, Thai basil |
| Best Protein Pairing | Fish, prawns, tofu, chicken | Chicken, chickpeas, cauliflower, potato | Tofu, chicken thigh, pork, tiger prawns | Prawns, fish, tofu, chicken breast |
| Best Vegetable Pairing | Sweet potato, cauliflower, spinach, courgette | Potato, butternut squash, pea, broccoli | Sweet potato, mushroom, spinach, carrot | Aubergine, baby corn, mangetout, courgette |
| Best Used For | Soup, fish marinade, stir-fry, golden rice, dal, latte | Curry, satay-style sauce, family meals | Curry, marinade, stir-fry, roasted veg | Curry, noodle soup, seafood dishes |
| Ideal For | All ages · Zero heat · Maximum versatility | Spice-sensitive · Kids & families | Everyday use · Most versatile curry | Spice lovers · Seafood fans |