Tom Yum vs Tom Kha: Which Thai Soup Should You Order?

Thai soups are a meal in a bowl, and two names come up again and again: tom yum and tom kha. They share a backbone of lemongrass, galangal and lime leaf, but they end up in very different places. Here is how to choose.

What is tom yum?

Tom yum is the hot-and-sour one. Clear and sharp, it wakes up the whole palate with chilli, lime and fish sauce. If you want something bright and bracing that clears the head, this is your bowl.

What is tom kha?

Tom kha gai is the gentler cousin. Coconut milk softens the same aromatics into something creamy and comforting, with chicken poached until tender. It keeps the sour and savoury notes but wraps them in something richer.

So which should you order?

Order tom yum when you want a lift and a bit of heat, and tom kha when you want comfort. Better still, get one of each for the table and compare. Our guide to Thai soups has more, or dive straight into the menu and book a table.