🍲 5 Most Popular Thai Soups You Must Try
Discover the rich and diverse world of Thai soups. From spicy and sour to creamy and comforting, these five iconic Thai soups are a must-try for food lovers everywhere.
🥄 1. Tom Yum Goong
The spicy and sour king of Thai soups
Tom Yum Goong is Thailand’s most famous soup. With its signature blend of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chili, lime juice, and fish sauce, it delivers a bold, tangy flavor. Juicy shrimp (goong) and mushrooms are the stars of this dish.
- Flavor: Spicy, sour, aromatic
- Best with: Jasmine rice or as a standalone appetizer
- Tip: Add evaporated milk or Thai chili paste for a “creamy” version
🥥 2. Tom Kha Gai
Coconut soup with chicken – mild yet flavorful
Tom Kha Gai is a milder alternative to Tom Yum. Made with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, and chicken, it’s rich, comforting, and aromatic. A perfect soup for those who prefer less spice but still crave Thai flavor.
- Flavor: Creamy, fragrant, slightly tangy
- Key ingredients: Coconut milk, chicken, galangal, lime juice
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with mushrooms
🐟 3. Gaeng Som
Southern Thai sour curry soup with vegetables
Gaeng Som is a bright-orange, sour and spicy soup made from tamarind, red curry paste, and various vegetables like green papaya or morning glory. Often cooked with fish, it’s both healthy and deeply flavorful.
- Flavor: Sour, spicy, earthy
- Protein options: Fish, shrimp, or even omelet squares
- Fun fact: Popular in southern and central Thailand
🥬 4. Kaeng Liang
Thai herbal vegetable soup
Kaeng Liang is one of the healthiest Thai soups. It’s packed with Thai herbs like basil, peppercorns, and fingerroot, as well as vegetables like pumpkin, squash, and baby corn. Traditionally cooked with shrimp.
- Flavor: Herbal, peppery, clean
- Great for: Detox meals or when you’re feeling under the weather
- Tip: Use homemade shrimp paste for authentic flavor
🐷 5. Jok
Thai rice porridge – comforting and filling
Though technically more of a breakfast porridge than soup, Jok is a staple comfort food. Made from slow-cooked rice, often with minced pork, ginger, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg on top.
- Flavor: Mild, savory, soothing
- Great for: Breakfast or light dinners
- Optional toppings: Century egg, crispy garlic, soy sauce
📌 Final Thoughts
Thai soups are much more than just spicy broths — they represent regional flavors, traditional healing herbs, and the balance of taste that Thai cuisine is known for. Whether you prefer bold flavors or soothing bowls, Thai soup has something for everyone.
