Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง) is a renowned Thai soup known for its distinctive spicy and sour flavor, created with herbs such as chili, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Primarily made with shrimp, this soup is celebrated for its intense aroma and taste, enjoying great popularity both within Thailand and internationally. Traditionally served in homes and street stalls, Tom Yum Goong is now widely enjoyed in restaurants around the world.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Baht
- Meal Date
- 5/1/2019
- Food Travel Log
- The dish you must try in Thailand, or you’ll be called a novice, is Tom Yum Goong. Its rich spiciness and complex sourness remind you of the umami from Japanese glutamate. It’s difficult to explain but might be worthy of being one of the world's top three soups. However, I haven't experienced enough to compare, sadly.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง, Tom Yum Goong) is a representative soup dish of the Kingdom of Thailand and is counted as one of the world’s three great soups. Featuring shrimp ("goong") as its main ingredient, the soup is renowned for its bold spicy and sour flavors and the rich aroma of its herbs. Widely beloved across Thailand, including Bangkok, this dish is the symbol of Thai cuisine and enjoys substantial popularity abroad as well. Historically, Tom Yum Goong became popular as a home-cooked and street-food dish from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, and today it is enjoyed at restaurants, in homes, and as street food.
Characteristics and Preparation
The most distinctive feature of Tom Yum Goong is its refreshing and piquant complexity, deriving from uniquely Thai herbs and seasonings such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, prik (chili), and lime juice. There are two main types: a creamy version with coconut milk (Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon) and a clear version without coconut milk (Tom Yum Goong Nam Sai).
The following lists common ingredients and steps.
| Main Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (Goong) | Thick and flavorful Thai prawns or tiger prawns are preferred. |
| Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves | The aromatic base, greatly influencing the soup’s overall impression. |
| Galangal (Thai ginger), Prik (Chili) | Provides a unique spiciness and deep umami. |
| Fish Sauce, Lime Juice | Thai fish sauce and sourness are essential to the soup. |
| Mushrooms (such as straw mushrooms) | Added for textural accent. |
The cooking process typically involves first heating the herbs to extract their fragrance and making the soup base, then adding main ingredients such as shrimp and mushrooms, and finally adjusting the flavor with fish sauce and lime juice. Recipes vary greatly by household and region, but the handling of herbs directly affects the quality of the dish.
Regional Variations
In Bangkok and Central Thailand, the rich version with coconut milk is popular, while in the northeastern and northern regions, lighter versions that emphasize sourness and herbal notes take center stage. Influenced by Thai-Chinese communities, there are also derivatives such as "Tom Yum Noodle," which includes Chinese noodles, and versions using chicken and other ingredients. In recent years, vegan and health-focused recipes have appeared, and as the dish has globalized, it has come to be served in restaurants worldwide.
Cultural Significance and International Recognition
Among Thai cuisine, Tom Yum Goong is often called the "national dish," and its recognition outside of Thailand is remarkable. It has been nominated for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status and has appeared at diplomatic banquets in various countries. In the 2000s, it was even referenced in economic reporting as the "Tom Yum Goong Crisis" in analogy to the Asian Financial Crisis, demonstrating its mention in many different fields.
Summary
Tom Yum Goong is more than just a dish; it has come to symbolize Thailand’s food culture, ethos, and regional diversity. Its layers of heat, acidity, and fragrance create an exotic feeling with every spoonful. An authentic bowl enjoyed in Bangkok is undoubtedly a special experience not only for the locals but also for travelers from around the world.