Thai Green Curry with Coconut Milk
Thai green curry (gaeng kiew wan) is the king of curries in Bangkok: chicken and round Thai aubergines cooked in coconut milk with hot green chilli paste, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves. It has a low glycemic index (clinically reviewed estimate ≈35) and combines the heat of chilli with the creamy sweetness of coconut.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Eat the chicken and aubergine with the aromatic coconut sauce with a spoon, and keep to two or three spoonfuls of basmati or jasmine rice.
Best preparation methods
Fry the green curry paste in a spoonful of coconut cream until the aromatic oils separate and the fragrance rises, and go easy on palm sugar to control the sugars.
Important Nutritional Note
Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that the liver turns quickly into energy, and the basil and chilli add anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 128 kcal | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 9.6 g | 24 g |
| Carbohydrate | 2.8 g | 7 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 1.8 g | 4.5 g |
| Fat | 8.8 g | 22 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1 g | 2.5 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Asian dishes with a glycemic index (18), it ranks 5 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Thai green curry suitable for people with diabetes and on keto?
It is an excellent keto dish: its glycemic index is low (≈35) and it is rich in protein and healthy fats that prevent glucose spikes when eaten without rice.
How many calories are in a 250 g portion of green chicken curry?
The portion contains about 320 kcal, 24 g of protein, 22 g of healthy plant fat and around 7 g of carbohydrate from the vegetables.
Why is green curry hotter than red curry?
Its paste is made from fresh green Thai bird's eye chillies, which are very hot and sharp compared with dried red chillies.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.