Thai Nam Prik Pao

Thai Nam Prik Pao, often called Thai chili jam, is a versatile and beloved condiment from Thailand known for its complex balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and savory flavors. It is typically made from roasted dried chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, and palm sugar, all pounded together into a thick, glossy paste. It serves as a foundational flavor base in many Thai dishes and is also enjoyed as a dip.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Nam Prik Pao is generally high in carbohydrates and fats, primarily from added palm sugar and oil used in its preparation, with minimal protein. A typical tablespoon-sized serving contains roughly 40-60 calories, offering trace amounts of iron and antioxidants from the chilies.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	60 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	350 mg
Vitamin A	1200 IU
Vitamin C	8 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Potassium	150 mg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Copper	0.1 mg

Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Nam Prik Pao is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, used in everything from stir-fries and soups to salad dressings and as a simple dip for vegetables and fried snacks. Its unique fermentation and roasting process creates a deep, umami-rich flavor profile that is both a flavor enhancer and a standalone condiment.