Tom yum soup is a kind of Thai soup that is known for its broth, which is savory, spicy and sour. This soup is very popular in Thailand and in Thai restaurants abroad. Thai food generally not only provides a wonderful taste but also includes medicinal properties in its herbal ingredients as well.

The broth of this soup is made with fish sauce, galangal, shallots, lemon grass, lime leaves, lime juice and tamarind. Crushed chilies are also added to the basic stock to give it its spiciness. The chili also gives the broth its characteristic deep orange color. A distinguishing characteristic is the generous amount of herbs that are used in the soup's creation. It is often topped with a small pile of fresh cilantro leaves, which are also known as coriander. Straw or oyster mushrooms, or both, are also a part of most tom yum soup recipes.

In addition to a tasty broth topped with fresh fragrant greens, tom yum soup also generally includes proteins.