Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a classic Thai soup known for its creamy, aromatic broth made from coconut milk, infused with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. It typically features chicken, mushrooms, and a balanced blend of sour, salty, and spicy flavors, often finished with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Originating from Thailand, it's a beloved staple in both home cooking and restaurants worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in healthy fats from coconut milk, moderate in protein from chicken, and low in carbohydrates. It provides key nutrients like electrolytes, vitamins from herbs, and a rough calorie count of 250-400 per serving depending on portion size and ingredients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Folate | 25 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Tom Kha Gai showcases the Thai culinary principle of balancing flavors—sour, salty, sweet, and spicy—while its use of galangal and lemongrass offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Nutritionally, the coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are easily metabolized for energy.
