First, curry isn’t a spice—it’s a way of life. OK, that’s an exaggeration. It’s actually a catch-all term for a fragrant, tantalizing melange of spices that can tickle or set fire to your palate. Just a little monkeying with proportions, or adding this or that, makes for a magnificent variety of Indian, Thai, and other Southeast Asian curries. If you want a generic curry powder (that golden yellow comes from the turmeric), any of the places below can accommodate. Want to create your own unique version?
Consult the experts at Bombay Bazar (636-778-2391), in Chesterfield, for cardamom and asafetida. Maryland Heights’ new Little India Markets (314-699-4545) has fresh curry leaves. And Harsha Indian Groceries (636-527-5656) has a huge selection of hard-to-find items that go into the basic garam masala mixtures on which Indian curries are based. Thai curries, often made with coconut milk, are typically soupier than Indian versions. For the fresh ingredients featured in Thai curries—galangal, cilantro, and holy basil—visit Olive Supermarket. Finally, for exotic edibles, go to Jay International Food (314-772-9393) in South City.
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