What To Serve With Tom Yum Soup (18 BEST Sides!)

Bold, robust, and aromatic, tom yum soup is a classic Thai recipe that’s found on the menus of all the best Thai takeaways and restaurants. 

It strikes a balance between spicy, sour, sweet, and savoury elements, and the flavours can be best described as intricate—each spoonful offers a tapestry of taste sensations characterised by lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves! 

I love this tom yum soup recipe – you can choose from clear or creamy, and it’s probably one of the healthiest Thai dishes you’ll ever come across, with just 156 calories per serving! 

But what about the sides and accompaniments? 

Here’s the short answer… 

The tastiest options for what to serve with tom yum soup include jasmine rice, rice vermicelli, egg noodles, chicken satay, grilled fish, tofu skewers, stir-fried greens, Thai papaya salad, spring rolls, pad Thai, and green curry. 

Let’s jump in to some more ideas… 

Rice and Noodles

Pairing your tom yum soup with rice or noodles can transform it into a more satisfying meal.

These starches absorb the soup’s bold flavours, providing a balance to its spicy and sour notes.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety that’s highly aromatic.

It’s the traditional choice for Thai soups due to its slightly sticky quality that makes it easy for you to scoop up with a spoon.

• How to serve: Simply steam the rice and serve it in a separate bowl, allowing you to add as much as you’d like to your soup.

Rice Vermicelli

Rice vermicelli are thin noodles that complement the light nature of tom yum soup.

They cook quickly and are perfect for soaking up the soup’s flavours.

• How to cook: Submerge in boiling water for a few minutes until soft, then drain.
• Serving suggestion: Add the cooked noodles directly to your soup or serve them on the side.

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles offer a chewier texture and a rich flavour.

They are an excellent option if you’re looking for a heartier accompaniment to your tom yum soup.

• Preparation: Boil the noodles until they are al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Serving tip: Serve the noodles on the side or place them in the bottom of the bowl before ladling the hot soup over them.

Proteins

Pairing your tom yum soup with the right type of protein can turn it into a satisfying meal.

Consider these delectable protein options for what to serve with tom yum soup. 

Chicken Satay

Enjoy chicken satay as a succulent partner to your soup.

These grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk, providing a rich flavour that complements the bold spices of the tom yum soup.

Grilled Fish

Opt for grilled fish for a healthy and flavourful choice for what to eat with tom yum soup.

The smokiness from the grill will enhance the citrusy broth of the soup.

• Preferred Fish: Sea bass, snapper
• Seasoning Tips: Lemon juice, herbs

Tofu Skewers

Tofu skewers are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Their mild taste and firm texture absorb the surrounding flavours from the soup and any seasonings.

• Preparation Tip: Press tofu to eliminate excess water for better flavour absorption
• Marinade Suggestion: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic

Vegetables

Pairing tom yum soup with the right vegetables can enhance your dining experience.

You’ll find that a balance of textures and flavours is key.

Stir-Fried Greens

You can complement tom yum soup with stir-fried greens like pak choi or kailan.

To prepare, heat a wok and add a bit of oil, garlic, and your choice of greens; then stir-fry until the greens are just cooked but still crisp.

This method retains the freshness and adds a crunchy texture that contrasts the soup’s liquidity.

• Pak Choi: Sauté with garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar.
• Kailan: Stir-fry with garlic, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil.

Steamed Vegetables

Steaming is a simple yet effective way to prepare vegetables that preserve their nutritional value and natural flavours.

Broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower are excellent choices that steam well.

• Broccoli: Cut into florets, steam for 3-4 minutes until tender.
• Carrots: Slice diagonally and steam for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.
• Cauliflower: Break into florets and steam for 5-6 minutes until soft.

Thai Papaya Salad

Thai papaya salad, known as Som Tam, is a refreshing side dish with a tangy and sweet taste profile that can complement the spicy and sour flavours of tom yum soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 small green papaya, peeled and shredded
• 1 carrot, shredded
• A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 long beans, cut into 2 cm lengths
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2-4 Thai chillies (to taste)
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1-2 teaspoons palm sugar

Cooking Directions:

1. Pound garlic and chillies in a mortar.
2. Add long beans and tomatoes; pound lightly.
3. Mix in fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
4. Toss in shredded papaya and carrot; mix well.

Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Breads

When enjoying tom yum soup, pairing it with a delicious bread can enhance your dining experience.

These bread choices offer a delightful texture contrast to the soup’s spicy and sour flavours.

Naan Bread

Naan bread, a classic Indian flatbread, complements tom yum soup wonderfully.

Its pillowy softness is perfect for soaking up the broth.

• Serving Tip: Lightly brush your naan with garlic butter to add an aromatic touch.
• Preparation: Warm it in the oven or on a griddle pan to get it perfectly toasty.

Roti

Roti is another excellent option for what to serve with tom yum soup, with its slightly chewy texture making it a substantial addition to your meal.

• Versatility: You can choose plain roti or one infused with herbs for an extra flavour dimension.
• Pairing: The bread’s sturdy structure holds up against the soup’s rich broth.

Additional Thai Dishes

When enjoying tom yum soup, you can elevate your meal by pairing it with other Thai classics.

Here are some perfect accompaniments.

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls, or ‘por pia tord’ as they’re known in Thai, make an excellent starter.

They’re typically filled with vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood, then wrapped in a thin pastry and deep-fried until crispy.

Serve them with a sweet chilli sauce for a delightful crunch.

• Contents: Vermicelli, carrot, cabbage, sometimes shrimp or pork
• Dipping sauce: Sweet chilli sauce, plum sauce

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is arguably one of Thailand’s most famous dishes.

This stir-fried noodle dish combines flat rice noodles, eggs, tofu, and a choice of meat, seasoned with fish sauce, tamarind pulp, garlic, shallots, and chillies.

Garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh lime, it balances sweet, sour, and salty flavours brilliantly.

• Key ingredients: Flat rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, tofu, peanuts
• Flavours: Tamarind pulp, fish sauce, lime juice

Green Curry

Green curry, or ‘kaeng khiao wan’, offers a creamy and aromatic experience.

Made with green chillies, coconut milk, and a mixture of herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, this curry pairs well with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice.

You can choose from chicken, beef, or tofu for the protein.

• Base: Green chilli paste, coconut milk
• Common proteins: Chicken, beef, tofu
• Aromatic herbs: Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil

Desserts

Choosing the right dessert after enjoying tom yum soup can enhance your dining experience.

You want something that complements the soup’s bold flavours and refreshes your palate.

Mango Sticky Rice

After the spicy kick of tom yum soup, you’ll appreciate the sweet and creamy texture of mango sticky rice.

This Thai classic combines glutinous rice with ripe mango slices and a drizzle of coconut milk.

It’s both satisfying and refreshing, making it a perfect way to round off your meal.

Ingredients:

• Glutinous rice: 200 grams
• Ripe mangoes: 2, sliced
• Coconut milk: 150 ml
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Salt: A pinch

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice for 1 hour, then steam until tender.
2. Warm the coconut milk with sugar and salt, then pour over the cooked rice.
3. Serve with mango slices on top.

Fried Bananas

For a delightful crispy treat, try fried bananas.

Their natural sweetness is accentuated by light battering and frying, creating a lovely contrast with tom yum soup.

Ingredients:

• Bananas: 4, ripe but firm
• Wheat flour: 100 grams
• Water: 150 ml
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Slice the bananas.
2. Mix flour, water, and sugar to make a batter.
3. Dip the banana slices in the batter and fry until golden brown.

Beverages

Choosing the right beverage to complement your Tom Yum Soup can enhance your dining experience.

These Thai favourites are sure to pair well with the soup’s spicy and sour profile.

Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea, or cha yen, is a sweet and creamy beverage that can balance the heat from Tom Yum Soup.

It’s typically made with:

• Strongly brewed Ceylon tea
• Sugar and condensed milk

Pour over ice and top with evaporated milk for a refreshing contrast to your soup.

Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass Tea provides a citrusy note that echoes the flavours in tom yum soup without overpowering them.

To prepare:

1. Boil fresh lemongrass stalks
2. Steep for at least 5 minutes

Enjoy this herbal tea hot or iced, depending on your preference.

What’s your favourite choice of side dish for tom yum soup? 

Leave your ideas in the comments section below!