Tom Kha Gai
Bangkok, Thailand
Tom kha gai is a coconut-based chicken soup scented with galangal, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves. Lime, fish sauce and chilli keep the broth bright, while coconut milk adds a smooth richness without turning it into a thick curry.
The soup shows how Thai cooking balances creamy, sour, salty and aromatic elements in one bowl. In Bangkok it appears in restaurants and casual kitchens in versions that range from mild and silky to sharper and more chilli-forward.
Why locals eat it
Taste the broth before adding chilli and ask whether the kitchen uses fresh galangal. It is usually served with rice, and you can request more lime if the coconut richness needs lifting.
Local tip
Tom Kha Gai in Bangkok: Thailand’s coconut chicken soup
Typically made with
chicken, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, straw mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, chilies. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.