UNESCO has added the Thai soup tom yum kung to the list of world cultural heritage. It is a traditional dish in Thailand and Laos and a hallmark of Thai cuisine.
This was reported by the Thai government.
Tom yum is a spicy soup with spicy herbs. It was originally cooked in broth with fish or chicken. Still, UNESCO recognized the modern version with shrimp and coconut milk.
The soup has become a symbol of the Thai way of life. It reflects the principles of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and respect for nature. The main ingredients are shrimp, galangal root, lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. They give the soup a unique flavor and emphasize the connection between Thai cuisine and local nature.
The recipe for tom yum has been passed down from generation to generation. It will join other Thai cultural phenomena on the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as Thai massage, traditional Thon and Nora dances, and the Songkran festival, which celebrates the new year according to the Buddhist lunar calendar.