Foreigner FriendlyYes
✗VegetarianAdventurous
Spice Level
Price Range80-150 THB
About This Dish
A hot and sour shrimp soup bursting with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird's eye chili. The aromatic broth is simultaneously spicy, sour, and deeply savory.
Flavor Profile
The balance of tastes in this dish
Sweet1/5
Sour3/5
Salty2/5
Spicy4/5
Umami4/5
History & Origin
One of Thailand's most ancient soup preparations, originating from Central Thai river communities who cooked freshwater shrimp with wild herbs. It was virtually unknown outside Thailand until the 1980s tourism boom.
Best Time to Eat
Perfect Pairings
Steamed jasmine riceIced lime soda
Insider Tips
- 1Order 'tom yum nam khon' for the creamy coconut milk version
- 2The clear broth version (nam sai) is lighter and more traditional
How to Order
Point and say this to order like a local
Pronunciation:tom yum goong
ต้มยำกุ้ง
Say this: Tom Yum Goong
Cuisine Region: Central Thai
Price Range: 80-150 THB
Best Time to Eat: Lunch or dinner
Where to Try It
The best city to experience this dish
Bangkok
The best city to experience this dish
More from Central Thai
Other dishes from the same region
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