Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-massaman-curry-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Massaman Curry Vegetarian or Vegan? (Beef, Fish Sauce & Shrimp Paste)

Massaman curry is coconut-based and mild, which makes it look plant-based. The animal products are
in the paste and the protein, not the sauce you see. Here is what makes it non-vegetarian, and how
to order it vegan.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Massaman curry is usually not vegetarian: it is made with beef or chicken.
> - The curry paste contains shrimp paste (kapi) and the seasoning includes fish sauce.
> - A "vegetable massaman" may still have shrimp paste and fish sauce.
> - Order it vegan with tofu or vegetables, no shrimp paste and no fish sauce.

**TL;DR: Massaman curry is usually not vegetarian**: it's typically made with beef or chicken,
and the curry paste contains shrimp paste, plus fish sauce. A vegan massaman (tofu + veg, no
fish) is easy to find or make.

## What's in massaman curry

Massaman ("gaeng matsaman") is a rich, mildly spiced Thai curry of coconut milk, potatoes,
peanuts and a fragrant paste (cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, chili). The non-veg parts:

- **Beef or chicken**: the usual protein.
- **Shrimp paste (kapi)**: in the curry paste.
- **Fish sauce**: in the seasoning.

So even a "vegetable massaman" may still carry shrimp paste and fish sauce.

## How to order it vegan

Ask for **tofu or vegetables** instead of meat, **no shrimp paste** in the paste, and **no fish
sauce** (soy sauce or salt instead). Vegan massaman pastes and restaurant versions are common.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Only if made without beef/chicken, shrimp paste and fish sauce.
- **Vegan?** Same, with tofu or vegetables.

See our [Massaman Curry dish guide](/food/thailand/massaman-curry/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*