Central
ต้มข่าไก่
Tom Kha Gai
Creamy coconut chicken soup fragrant with galangal, lemongrass and lime — gentle heat, big comfort.
Story behind the dish
Origin
A milder Central Thai cousin of tom yum, using coconut milk to soften the herbs and spice.
History
Royal palace cooks developed this refined soup as a less fiery alternative for noble tables.
Culture
A popular starter for international visitors — the gateway drug to Thai herbal soups.
Key ingredients
Chicken breastCoconut milkGalangalLemongrassKaffir lime leavesStraw mushroomsLime juiceFish sauce
Flavor profile
Sweet
3/5
Sour
4/5
Salty
3/5
Spicy
2/5
Umami
4/5
Where to try it
Street food
Terminal 21 food courts in Bangkok serve surprisingly good versions.
Local restaurant
Baan Khanitha, Bangkok — elegant home-style tom kha.
Premium dining
Nahm, Bangkok — refined with free-range chicken and hand-pressed coconut cream.
Recommended pairings
Drinks
- • Jasmine tea
- • Coconut water
Desserts
- • Tub tim krob
Complementary dishes
- • Pad Thai
- • Steamed jasmine rice