tom kha gai

Thailand · Southeast Asia

Short description: Tom kha gai is a fragrant coconut chicken soup, balancing creamy richness with galangal, herbs, acidity, and chile heat.
Ingredients: Chicken simmered with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, chile, and mushrooms.
Cultural note: The name points to galangal, whose citrusy bite keeps the coconut broth from tasting heavy.
Common misconception: It is not simply coconut chicken soup; galangal, lime leaves, fish sauce, and acidity are central.

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