Red vs Clear Tom Yum: Which Should You Order?
Red tom yum is richer, creamier and slightly sweeter, thanks to roasted chilli paste. Clear tom yum is lighter, sharper and more sour, letting the lemongrass, galangal and lime come through. At Siam Kitchen, a MUIS halal-certified Thai restaurant at HomeTeam NS Khatib, you can order both: Tom Yum Talay/Gai (red) and Po Taek Talay/Gai (clear), each from $9.90.
If you have ever stood at a Thai menu wondering which tom yum to pick, this guide explains the difference so you can order with confidence.
What is tom yum?
Tom yum is one of Thailand's best-known soups. "Tom" means to boil and "yum" refers to a mixed, tangy salad-style flavour. The soup is built on a fragrant broth of lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, then balanced with lime juice, fish sauce and chilli. The result is hot, sour, salty and aromatic all at once.
There are two main styles, and the difference comes down to what goes into the broth.
Red tom yum: rich and bold
Red tom yum gets its colour and depth from nam prik pao, a roasted chilli paste. Many versions also add a splash of milk or evaporated milk, which softens the heat and gives the soup a fuller, rounder taste.
Choose red tom yum if you like:
A bolder, more intense flavour
A slightly creamy texture
A soup that pairs well with plain jasmine rice
At Siam Kitchen, Tom Yum Talay/Gai (Red Tom Yum Soup) is $9.90, with a choice of chicken or mixed seafood (additional $1.00 for seafood).
Clear tom yum: light and zesty
Clear tom yum, known as tom yum nam sai, skips the chilli paste and milk. The broth stays transparent, and the herbs and lime take centre stage. It tastes cleaner and more sour, and many diners find it lighter on the stomach.
Choose clear tom yum if you like:
A sharper, more refreshing sourness
A lighter soup to start a big meal
Tasting each herb clearly
At Siam Kitchen, Po Taek Talay/Gai (Clear Tom Yum Soup) is also $9.90, with a choice of chicken or mixed seafood (additional $1.00 for seafood). "Po taek" is the Thai name for a mixed seafood tom yum.
| Red Tom Yum | Clear Tom Yum | |
|---|---|---|
| Broth | Orange-red, slightly creamy | Clear |
| Key extra ingredient | Roasted chilli paste | None, herbs and lime lead |
| Taste | Rich, bold, slightly sweet | Sharp, sour, light |
| Best for | Pairing with rice | Starting a meal |
| Siam Kitchen dish | Tom Yum Talay/Gai, $9.90 | Po Taek Talay/Gai, $9.90 |
Other ways to enjoy tom yum at Siam Kitchen
If you love the flavour, tom yum appears across the Siam Kitchen menu:
Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Tom Yum Chicken Soup), $9.90: chicken breast slices in a fragrant broth with fresh coconut milk. Milder and creamier than both tom yum styles.
Khao Phad Tom Yum Talay (Tom Yum Fried Rice), $9.90: all the tom yum flavour, wok-fried into rice.
Kway Teow Tom Yum (Tom Yum Noodle Soup with Seafood), $10.90: rice stick noodles in tom yum soup.
Mama Gai/Talay (Thai Style Tom Yum Mama Noodles), $10.90: Thai instant-style noodles in tom yum, with chicken cutlet or assorted seafood.
Tip: order both and share
Tom yum is made for sharing. With a group, order one red and one clear tom yum for the table and compare. Add a green curry, a plate of Phad Thai and jasmine rice, and you have a full Thai meal.
Frequently asked questions
Which is spicier, red or clear tom yum? Red tom yum usually tastes hotter because of the roasted chilli paste, but both can be spicy. Ask our team if you would like it milder.
Is tom yum at Siam Kitchen halal? Yes. Siam Kitchen is a MUIS halal-certified Thai restaurant, so all our tom yum soups are halal.
How much is tom yum at Siam Kitchen? Both Red Tom Yum (Tom Yum Talay/Gai) and Clear Tom Yum (Po Taek Talay/Gai) are $9.90, with an additional $1.00 for seafood.
What is the difference between tom yum and tom kha? Tom yum is a hot and sour broth. Tom kha uses coconut milk, so it is creamier and milder. Siam Kitchen serves Tom Kha Gai for $9.90.
Visit Siam Kitchen
HomeTeam NS Khatib Clubhouse, 2 Yishun Walk, #01-01, Singapore 767944
Open daily, 11:30am to 10:00pm (last order 9:30pm)
+65 6908 5616
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