Thai Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha soup)

In Thai, ‘tom’ means boil, ‘kha’ means galangal, and ‘kai’/’gai’ is chicken. So this translates to Chicken Galangal Soup.
Since coconut milk forms the base of this soup, this soup is also referred to as Thai coconut soup, or in this case, as it has chicken, it is Thai coconut chicken soup.

These are the two most popular Thai soups that you will often come across, and it is essential to understand the difference between them. Both differ in their flavor profile and ingredients, and taste.
 
Tom yum is a clear hot and sour soup, whereas Tom Kha is a creamy and curry-like soup. Both use galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass and use chicken or vegetable stock, but this is where the similarities end.
 
Tom means boiling-process and is usually referred to as soup or broth. Yum means mixed and denotes the sweet, sour, and spicy notes, which highlight many Thai soups. Its sour profile comes from tamarind paste, and this differentiates it from Tom Kha dishes.
 
Tom yum is usually made with shrimp and is named tom yum goong. It is one of the most popular Thai dishes in the world.
 
Tom Kha Kai/Gai has coconut milk, and this is where it gets its creamy sweetness. Coconut milk also gives tom kha soup a murky white color. The primary ingredient used for flavor in this is galangal, and it’s in the name (Kha).

For a detailed description of other Thai soups, refer to this article on the Thai Michelin guide.

You may not find galangal in every grocery store. It may be available in Asian stores, health-food stores, or stores having world-market grocery items.

Ginger is an acceptable substitute if you cannot find galangal. Ginger has a similar taste profile as that of galangal though it is slightly less hot and sweeter. In many Thai recipes, ginger is often substituted in place because galangal isn’t widely available.

Not only is Tom kha gai flavorful, but it is healthy in the proper proportions. It is rich in protein and fiber with chicken stock and slices, mushrooms, and veggies like carrots.
 
Mushrooms are a rich source of fiber, proteins, and anti-oxidants.
 
Thai coconut chicken soup has many calories and fats that come from coconut milk, so having it with other high-carb food might not be too good. It is essential to moderate portions if you are calorie-conscious.
 
Coconut milk is lactose-free, an excellent substitute for milk, and a good source of healthy fats. It is a good choice for people with lactose intolerance.

You can make a vegetarian version of Thai coconut soup by simply substituting chicken stock with vegetable stock and skipping chicken.
 
This recipe already has mushrooms and carrots, so it becomes a vegetarian coconut soup. Feel free to add green beans, zucchini, or other color peppers.
 
You can also make a shrimp version of this. Just replace chicken with shrimp, and it will be the same creamy texture with shrimp in it, and this is called tom kha goong.