Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Galangal Chicken Soup with Lime)
Tom kha gai is a Thai coconut chicken soup that balances creamy richness with bright acidity. The broth starts with coconut milk infused with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves - three aromatics that give the soup its layered herbal fragrance. Chicken pieces simmer gently in this base until cooked through, absorbing the coconut flavor while releasing their own savory depth. Fish sauce provides the salt and umami backbone, and a generous squeeze of lime juice at the end sharpens the entire bowl. Unlike the clear-broth intensity of tom yum, tom kha gai wraps its heat in coconut fat, creating warmth that builds gradually rather than hitting immediately.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Simmer lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves in coconut milk.
- 2
Add chicken and cook through.
- 3
Season with fish sauce and lime juice.
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