Freezing fog, icy roads and heavy snowfall have us here at dealchecker convinced that we may never be warm again. It didn’t help that we’re just thawing out from our Christmas party, which saw us dashing around Covent Garden for hours finding the answers to numerous clues!

What we need is some good, flavoursome and warming dishes – and we’re seeking inspiration in Thailand, where sweet and sour, salty, bitter and spicy all combine for a feast for the senses. Ok, so you might need a few unusual ingredients that you won’t find in your local corner shop, but that’s what the internet is for!

Tom Yung Goong

Also known as spicy shrimp soup, this classic Thai dish is warming and fragrant with a spice mix that includes lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. Shrimp and mushrooms are the usual pairings, and the whole combination is ready to blast away the winter chills. We like the look of this recipe.

Pad Thai

This is the go-to Thai dish of the moment, thanks to its super-simple recipe. Noodles meet crunchy beansprouts, egg and onion in a piping hot wok, but it’s once they are off the heat that the magic happens. Add fish sauce, sugar, chilli powder and finely ground peanuts to create your ideal Pad Thai! This recipe with prawns is getting our tastebuds tingling.

Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

Forgo the ready-made Thai curry paste this Christmas and treat yourself to the real deal. You’ll find fragrant flavours you never knew existed, with chillies, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves all featuring. Coconut milk makes for a milder taste than Tom Yung Goong, so this is great for kids and adults alike – and as you’ll be adding the chillies you can even choose to make it milder. You can find a great recipe here.

Pak Boong

This lesser-known dish doesn’t pack the same spicy punch as many of the other popular dishes, so it’s good as a cooler accompaniment or if you just can’t manage anything too spicy. You’re looking for a green leafy vegetable called Morning Glory (I spotted some in my local supermarket!) which pairs with garlic and birds eye chilies. Add a little of oyster sauce, fish sauce and black fermented beans (from a jar), let the greens wilt and it’s ready in an instant. If you need more information that that – head here.

Of course, you could also head over to Thailand and let the locals put all their know-how and experience into creating delicious meals for you. And we know just where you can get your flight or holiday.