What's the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha?

Tom Kha uses coconut milk making it milder and creamier; Tom Yum is a clear sour broth with a sharper, more intense flavour.

Can I get Tom Yum without prawns?

Yes — chicken (tom yum gai) and mushroom (tom yum het) versions are widely available.

soup

Tom Yum Goong

ต้มยำกุ้ง

Medium

Tom Yum Goong is Thailand's most famous hot and sour prawn soup, perfumed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. The broth is intensely aromatic and deeply satisfying.

Key Ingredients

prawns
lemongrass
kaffir lime leaves
galangal
fish sauce

Where to Try It

Virtually every Thai restaurant offers it — try a riverside restaurant in Bangkok for the full experience.

Tips

There are two versions: clear broth (nam sai) and creamy coconut milk broth (nam khon) — try both.
Don't eat the lemongrass stalks or galangal slices — they're aromatics, not meant to be chewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

soup

Tom Yum Goong

ต้มยำกุ้ง

Medium

Tom Yum Goong is Thailand's most famous hot and sour prawn soup, perfumed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. The broth is intensely aromatic and deeply satisfying.

Key Ingredients

prawns
lemongrass
kaffir lime leaves
galangal
fish sauce

Where to Try It

Virtually every Thai restaurant offers it — try a riverside restaurant in Bangkok for the full experience.

Tips

There are two versions: clear broth (nam sai) and creamy coconut milk broth (nam khon) — try both.
Don't eat the lemongrass stalks or galangal slices — they're aromatics, not meant to be chewed.