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Thai

ต้มยำกุ้ง

Components

ต้มยำ
กุ้ง

Pronunciation

tôm yam kûŋ

tom yum with shrimp

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  1. 1 tom yum with shrimp、Thai hot-and-sour shrimp soup

A classic Thai hot-and-sour soup made with shrimp or prawns and aromatic herbs.

1

tom yum with shrimp、Thai hot-and-sour shrimp soup

Noun⭐️4 Often used

A Thai hot-and-sour soup flavored with aromatic herbs and made with shrimp or prawns.

Learning notes

Explanation

ต้มยำกุ้ง is one of Thailand’s best-known soups. Its characteristic flavor combines aromatic herbs, sourness, and chili heat. Common ingredients include shrimp or prawns, lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, lime juice, and fish sauce. The name consists of ต้มยำ, a hot-and-sour soup, and กุ้ง, “shrimp” or “prawn.” Here, ยำ contributes the idea of a sour, spicy style of seasoning; it should not simply be interpreted as “salad.” Two common versions are น้ำใส, with a clear broth, and น้ำข้น, a richer, creamy broth. หนึ่งที่ (“one order”) or หนึ่งถ้วย (“one bowl”) can be used when ordering.

Usage

This is the standard dish name used on restaurant menus and when ordering food or discussing Thai cuisine. It is also used when asking about the soup’s heat level or choosing between clear and creamy versions.

Caution

Because กุ้ง means “shrimp” or “prawn,” this name does not apply to tom yum made with chicken or fish. The dish name itself does not specify a heat level; add เผ็ดน้อย (“mild” or “less spicy”) when ordering if needed.

Differences from similar words

1 tom yum with shrimp synonyms

Component words

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