Tom yum

Tom yum or tom yam is a type of hot and sour Thai soup, usually cooked with shrimp (prawn). Tom yum has its origin in Thailand. The words "tom yam" are derived from two Thai words: "tom" and "yam". "Tom" refers to the boiling process, while "yam" refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad.

Ingredients

Tom yum is characterized by its distinct hot and sour flavors, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth. The soup is also made fragrant with kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and lemongrass. Other ingredients are often added like mushrooms and tomatoes. The most popular variety of tom yum is tom yum goong (or tom yum kung), which is made with prawns as the main ingredient. The soup is often topped with generous sprinkling of fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves.

Varieties

There are two main types of tom yum, and it's the addition of coconut milk (tom yum nam khon) and evaporated milk that distinguishes the two. The soup without milk is clearer and is known as tom yum nam sai.

Popularity

Tom yum is widely served in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos, and has been popularized around the world.

Health Benefits

Tom yum soup is known for its health benefits, primarily because of the herbs and spices used in the broth. It is high in Vitamin C and other nutrients from the fresh herbs and spices used.

See also

• Thai cuisine
• List of soups
• List of Thai dishes

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