What is the difference between tom yum soup and Kai soup?

Tom yum soup and Kai soup are both popular soups in Thai cuisine, but they have distinct differences in their flavors, ingredients, and preparation methods.

1. Base and Cooking Process:

- Tom Yum Soup: It has a spicy and sour broth made from a combination of fresh herbs, chilis, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, and mushrooms. These ingredients are infused together in a pot of water to create a tangy, aromatic broth.

- Kai Soup: Also known as Chicken Soup in Thai, it has a clear and milder broth. It is usually made by boiling chicken pieces in water with garlic, onions, coriander root, black pepper, and salt.

2. Main Ingredients:

- Tom Yum Soup: The main ingredients of Tom Yum Soup typically include shrimp, mushrooms such as straw mushrooms or white mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Sometimes other seafood like squid or fish is also added.

- Kai Soup: As the name suggests, Kai Soup features chicken as its primary ingredient. It often includes sliced chicken meat and clear noodles made from rice or glass noodles (khanom chin).

3. Flavor profiles:

- Tom Yum Soup: It is known for its distinctive blend of sour, spicy, and salty flavors. The addition of lime juice or sour tamarind provides the sourness, while chilis contribute to the spiciness.

- Kai Soup: This soup has a relatively lighter and subtle flavor compared to Tom Yum Soup. It is more comforting and wholesome, relying on the natural flavors of chicken and mild aromatics.

4. Additional Features:

- Tom Yum Soup: Typically served hot, garnished with fresh chili slices, cilantro, and sometimes crispy shallots for extra texture and aroma.

- Kai Soup: Often topped with crispy garlic, fried shallots, coriander leaves, chili oil, and sliced lime wedges to enhance its taste and aroma.

Both Tom Yum Soup and Kai Soup are beloved dishes in Thai culinary culture. Tom Yum Soup offers a zesty and appetizing taste, while Kai Soup provides a satisfying, heartwarming experience. They cater to different preferences and serve as excellent examples of the depth and diversity of Thai cuisine.