Description

Tom Yum is a classic Thai soup celebrated for its vibrant, bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. This hot and sour soup is a staple in Thai cuisine and is enjoyed around the world for its unique combination of tanginess, spiciness, and fragrant herbs. The name “Tom Yum” comes from Thai words: “Tom” meaning to boil, and “Yum” referring to a type of spicy and sour salad, which perfectly describes the dish’s taste profile.

The soup typically features a broth infused with traditional Thai ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and fresh lime juice. These ingredients give Tom Yum its signature zesty and refreshing aroma. It’s commonly made with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), but variations with chicken, fish, or tofu are also popular.

Tom Yum can be served clear (Tom Yum Nam Sai) or with a creamy texture (Tom Yum Nam Khon), the latter enriched with evaporated milk or coconut milk to mellow the spiciness. Often garnished with fresh cilantro and served hot, Tom Yum is not just a flavorful appetizer but also a comforting, immune-boosting meal thanks to its medicinal ingredients.

This iconic soup is a perfect representation of Thai culinary balance—spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet—offering an invigorating experience in every spoonful.