Name: Puput Agustine Nabila

NPM: 2210631230060

Course: English

What is Tom Yum?

Tom Yum Kung is a traditional Thai soup characterised by its hot and sour
flavours. It is generally made of shrimps and fresh Thai ingredients, such
as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, and fish sauce . It’s derived
from the Thai words “tom” which refers to the boiling process, “yam” a Thai
spicy and sour salad, and “kung” for shrimp.

History
Although the exact history of Tom Yum Kung is not fully known, it is widely
believed that it is a Thai soup originated from Central Thailand, where there
is an abundance of fresh shrimp in the Chao Phraya River.
Over the years, the soup has become a favourite in Thailand and quickly
spread around the world. Its relatively simple preparation and fantastic
flavours. Many western cultures have been exposed to Tom Yum Kung and
it has become a staple dish of Thai restaurants that serve customers from
all over the world. New ingredients have been added here and there, most
notably the choices of meat and the herbs used in creating the paste. While
some modern versions of Tom Yum Kung use enoki mushrooms or oyster
mushrooms, some restaurants added Nam Phrik Phao, a Thai chilli pasta
which gives the Tom Yum soup an orange colour and enhances the chilli
flavour in the soup.

An interesting story about the popularity of Tom Yum Kung is that the 1997
financial crisis which struck many Asian countries became known as the
Tom Yum Kung crisis since it all started in Thailand.

Variations of Tom Yum

Tom yum is so simple to prepare that it has spawned other variations using
different ingredients. There’s the one with the clear broth called tom yam
nam sai, and the creamier, opaque broth we all know and love using either
evaporated milk, which is tom yum nam khon, or coconut milk, called tom
yum kathi.

Other types differ in the meat used in the soup. There’s fish for tom yam
pla, a clear fish soup that used to be more popular before tourists started
coming to Thailand since fresh fish is readily available almost anywhere in
the country. Fish with firm flesh that doesn’t fall apart after boiling is
generally preferred.

The chicken version is called tom yum khai, while tom yum kha mu is made
with pork leg, requiring a longer cooking time under a low fire. The more
evolved version is called tom yum po taek or tom yum thale, which is
cooked with mixed seafood that includes shrimp or prawns, squid, mussels,
and fish.

Ingredients of Tom Yum Kung and Their

Benefits
It is generally believed that the ingredients used in making Tom Yum Kung
are beneficial in improving one’s health condition. Some researchers even
suggested that these ingredients are effective in curing cancers. Here is the
guide on the ingredients and their potential benefits.

· Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a common ingredients used in making different Thai

dishes, which helps tone down the strong flavours of Thai food and
provides a special fragrant scent to the dishes. It contains several
essential vitamins, like Vitamin A, B1, B2 and B3, etc. It also has
properties that are effective in dealing with cough and digestive
problems. This herb is even good for fighting against inflammation
caused by illnesses or ailments.

· Coriander

Coriander is also known as Cilantro and Chinese Parsley. This is a

powerful herb that contains micronutrients and antioxidants. It is
believed to be effective in reducing swelling caused by anaemia and
kidney malfunctions. It is also useful in cleansing metals from the
body.

· Galanga
Galanga is another common ingredient used in making Tom Yum
Kung that is originated from Southeast-Asian countries. It is a herb
that is particular useful in treating stomach issues, cough, and even
heart disease with its antibacterial properties.

· Coconut milk

Coconut milk is also another common ingredient that you will find in
Tom Yum Goong. It is known for its effectiveness in lowering
cholesterol, and improving your immune system. Some even
suggested that coconut milk contains anti-aging properties and will
help people get rid of their wrinkles as well.

· Chili Peppers

Chili Peppers are used to add spiciness to the Thai hot and sour
soup. It provides health benefits, such as dealing with inflammation
and congestion problems. As they are rich in Vitamin A, they are also
used to improve immunity.