What is "tom yum"

n. (alternative form of tom yam English)

Tom yum is a Thai soup, usually cooked with shrimp. Tom yum is widely served in countries neighbouring Thailand, such as Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore, and has become popular around the world.

Literally, the name "tom yam" derives from two Thai words: "tom" and "yam". "Tom" refers to the boiling process, while "yam" refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad. Indeed, tom yum has distinct hot and sour flavours, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth. The basic broth comprises stock and fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed chili peppers.

Commercial manufacturers of tom yum paste crush all the herb ingredients and stir-fry them in oil, then add seasoning and other preservative ingredients. The bottled or packaged paste sells around the world. Tom yum flavored with the paste may have different characteristics from that made with fresh herb ingredients. The soup often includes meats such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.

Some commentators call the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which started in Thailand, the "tom yam kung crisis".