tom kha gai
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 tom kha gai、Thai chicken soup with coconut milk and galangal
A Thai chicken soup made with coconut milk and galangal, known for its creamy, aromatic, sour, and often spicy flavor.
tom kha gai、Thai chicken soup with coconut milk and galangal
A Thai coconut-milk soup with chicken and galangal, typically flavored with sour and spicy seasonings.
Learning notes
Explanation
This is the name of a Thai dish commonly known in English as “tom kha gai.” It combines the richness of coconut milk with the aroma of galangal and other herbs, along with sourness and usually some chili heat. The name can be broken down as ต้ม “to boil; a boiled dish or soup,” ข่า “galangal,” and ไก่ “chicken.” ต้มข่า identifies the style of soup, while ไก่ specifies the main ingredient. When ordering, หนึ่งที่ can mean “one order,” while หนึ่งถ้วย refers to one bowl.
Usage
It is used on Thai restaurant menus, when ordering food, and when discussing meals or recipes. When ordering, you can add เผ็ดน้อย for “mild” or ไม่ใส่พริก for “no chili.”
Caution
ข่า means galangal, not ordinary ginger (ขิง); the two have different flavors. Also, ต้มยำไก่ is a different sour and spicy chicken soup that is generally not based on coconut milk. Despite its creamy appearance, tom kha gai may still be quite spicy.