Where can I get Thai chili powder locally?

Question

I'm looking to buy Thai chili powder locally. I went to Indian grocery stores, Korean grocery stores and Chinese grocery stores. I can't seem to find them. The have many chili powder choices, but I do not know whether they have the same flavor profile and heat level as Thai Chili. Can someone help me shed some light on this?

Thanks!

p.s. Ideally somewhere in San Jose area would be great; but if there is a store in SF that have them I don't mind checking them out too.

Answer

I'm not sure Thais use chile powder. Mostly they use fresh chiles and when they use dried they usually start with whole one. If they do you'd find it at the Thai or Lao markets in Oakland. I'm not sure there's any comparable place in San Jose. This site has some pointers:

http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/markets/sobay.html

-----
Lao Market
1619 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606

Sontepheap Market
1400 14th Ave, Oakland, CA

Answer

I think fresh Thai chiles will have a similar heat profile, and I've seen big bunches at the SF Alemany farmer's market (for $1!) and loose at Berkeley Bowl, Monterey Market. It's very easy to dry them yourself and whir in a food processor to the consistency you want (although I just keep them whole and break them open as needed). Hard to say how it will compare to your online source since chiles will vary in heat. But I have found that using just 1-2 tiny ones brings up the heat level of a dish noticeably.

-----
Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon St, Berkeley, CA 94703

Answer

There is a vendor at the Civic Center Farmer's Market in SF on Wednesdays that has ground Thai chili powder. They are right on Hyde St. at the very end of the market. They have it in small ziplock bags and it is HOT. I think I paid 2 or 3 dollars for a bag.

Answer

in san jose, you should check the vietnamese supermarkets (not 99 but lion may have it). many carry thai products from thailand.
as you know, thai and vietnamese cooking have some overlap in ingredients.

Answer

Thanks everyone for giving me ideas. Just to give an update in case others are looking. So far I checked many San Jose grocery stores including Lions and the list Robert provided. No luck! Apparently most chili powder in Asian stores are made of pimen chile which is not as spicy and with different flavor profile. That's too bad, yeah, thai chili powder are really good to have if you like spicy food :-)

I guess I may have to bite the bullet and get it online. Yes, as mentioned there are couple places that sell it online. Unfortunately for 3.5 oz. it cost $2.75 but charges close to $7 for shipping!

Topics

Locations

Your post has been published!

Where can I get Thai chili powder locally?

More from Chowhound

How To

6 Ways to Make Your Smoothies Taste Totally Amazing

CHOW Tip

Make Your Blender Clean Itself

How To

Lettuce Tell You, Grilled Romaine Is Fantastic

How To

Squash Your Beef: Smashburgers Are Juicy, Crisp Perfection (If You Make Them Right)

Trending Discussions

More eateries requiring proof of vaccination...

Copper thickness question(s)

Your current preferred knife setup in your home kitchen?

Home Cooking Dish Of The Month August 2021 - VOTING

August 2021 Cookbook of the Month: PANDEMIC REVISIT, MARCH 2020–JULY 2021

Quick Links

Latest Discussions

Cookbook of the Month

Dish of the Month

Weekly Menu Planning

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

15 Watermelon Recipes You Need to Try This Summer

Chowhound

Policies

Community

Editorial

Content