Meet the dish

Tom Yum

ต้มยำ · Tom Yum

Bright lime, warming chili, and fragrant Thai herbs give Tom Yum its unmistakable character. Discover the hot-and-sour soup in clear, creamy, and seafood versions.

Illustrative image of creamy seafood Tom Yum with prawns, squid, mushrooms, lemongrass, and makrut lime leaves in a whole white bowl on a wooden table.

Flavor

Hot and sour, with citrusy herbs and savory broth

Texture

Light clear broth or a richer creamy broth, with tender protein and mushrooms

Spice

Varies by recipe; ask about the chili level and soup base

Region / style

Thailand; recipes and ingredients vary between kitchens

What's in it?

LemongrassGalangalMakrut lime leavesLime juiceChiliesMushroomsShrimp, mixed seafood, or another proteinStock and fish sauce, depending on the recipeThai roasted chili paste and evaporated milk in some versions

Ingredients and preparation vary by restaurant. Ask the restaurant about dietary needs and allergens.

The story behind the dish

A soup led by fragrance

Tom Yum brings together sour lime, chili heat, and the aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves. The broth is the heart of the dish: bright, savory, and full of contrasting flavors.

Clear or creamy?

You may see nam sai, a clear-broth version, or nam khon, a richer, creamy version. Evaporated milk is used in many creamy recipes; some kitchens use coconut milk instead. Ask which version the restaurant serves rather than judging by color alone.

Find your favorite version

Shrimp Tom Yum is often called Tom Yum Goong. Other versions feature fish, chicken, or mixed seafood. The featured video from Home Cooking with Somjit introduces a creamy seafood version. It is one way to explore the dish; ingredients and preparation differ between kitchens.

Before you order

Ask whether the soup is clear or creamy, which proteins are available, and whether rice is included. Request your preferred chili level. Tough lemongrass pieces, galangal slices, and lime leaves may be left in for aroma rather than eating. For dietary needs, confirm the stock, fish sauce, chili paste, seafood, and any milk with the restaurant—even a vegetable version may use animal-based seasonings.

Sources & further reading

Watch & Learn

Easy Seafood Tom Yum Recipe | Tom Yum Seafood

YouTube · Home Cooking with Somjit

Home Cooking with Somjit shares a seafood Tom Yum recipe with a creamy broth and fragrant herbs—a way to explore this Thai hot-and-sour soup at home.

Ready for your next Thai food adventure?

Explore Thai restaurants near you. Check the menu for Tom Yum before visiting.

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