Tom som
In its own language: ต้มส้ม
Thai sour soup made with seafood or chicken and a tangy, spicy broth
Tom som is a Thai soup known for its sharp, sour taste, made with seafood or chicken in a broth flavored by tamarind, chili paste, and herbs. It is commonly served hot in Thailand, either as part of a meal or enjoyed with drinks. The soup uses ingredients like fish sauce, palm sugar, and coriander root for depth.
- Tom som means 'boiled sour' in Thai
- Uses tamarind, bilimbi, or vinegar for its tart taste
- Seafood or chicken is added at the end
- Commonly eaten hot as part of a meal or with drinks
What is Tom som?
Tom som is a Thai soup with a lively sourness, usually made with seafood like shrimp or fish, or sometimes chicken. The broth is built on a base of chili paste and gets its tart flavor from tamarind or other sour ingredients such as bilimbi or nipa palm vinegar. Aromatics like shallot and coriander root, along with shrimp paste and fish sauce, add complexity. The soup is served hot and has a clear, fragrant broth with pieces of meat or seafood.
Where does Tom som come from?
Tom som comes from Thailand, especially the northern regions. The name comes from Thai words for 'boil' and 'sour,' showing its focus on a tangy broth. The use of 'som' for sour flavors is traditional in Thai cooking. While the exact history is not detailed, it is a well-established part of Thai cuisine and reflects the local taste for bright, sour soups.
How is Tom som made?
To prepare tom som, a broth is simmered with chili paste, tamarind or another souring agent, shrimp paste, coriander root, shallot, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The mixture is sometimes strained for clarity. Near the end, pieces of seafood or chicken are added to the hot broth and cooked through. The soup is served immediately while still steaming.
How and when is Tom som eaten?
Tom som is eaten hot, either as a main dish or alongside other foods in a meal. It is also enjoyed as a snack with drinks, known as aahaan kap klaem in Thailand. The soup’s bright, sour flavor makes it a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, and it is common at everyday meals rather than tied to special occasions.
Kinds of Tom som
The sourness in tom som can come from several sources, such as tamarind, bilimbi, nipa palm vinegar, or roselle flowers, depending on what is available. The main protein varies, with shrimp, fish, or chicken being common choices. Each cook may adjust the herbs and balance of flavors to taste.
What Tom som means
Tom som is a familiar part of Thai dining, valued for its sharp, appetizing flavor. It is not tied to religious or festival events but is a regular feature in homes and local eateries. Its role as both a meal and a drinking snack shows its versatility in Thai food culture.
Questions people ask about Tom som
What is tom som made of?
Tom som is made with a broth that includes chili paste, tamarind or another sour ingredient, shrimp paste, coriander root, shallot, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Seafood or chicken is added at the end.
Where does tom som come from?
Tom som is from Thailand, especially known in the northern regions. It is a traditional Thai soup recognized for its sour and spicy flavors.
Is tom som always made with seafood?
No, tom som can be made with seafood such as shrimp or fish, or with chicken. The choice of protein depends on preference and availability.
How is tom som served?
Tom som is served hot, either as part of a meal or as a snack with drinks. It is enjoyed for its sharp, sour taste and is not limited to special occasions.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Tom som", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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