Southern Thailand's proximity to the Gulf of Thailand means that seafood plays a huge role in the cuisine, including prawns, crabs, oysters, squid and mackerel. Whatever can't be eaten immediately is dried in the hot sun; the shrimp paste produced by this method is the cornerstone of most Southern relishes. Southern food is Thailand's spiciest; the flavor profile is primarily hot, sour and salty. Coconut oil and milk are used heavily in curries, as are fresh herbs and fish.