Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup
Tom yum goong is the world's best-known hot and sour Thai soup: a refreshing prawn broth bursting with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilli and straw mushrooms. Its glycemic index does not apply because it contains no starch, and it is a natural pharmacy for fighting viruses and boosting metabolism.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Sip the hot, sour broth and eat the prawns and mushrooms with a spoon, but don't chew the large pieces of galangal and lemongrass, which are there only for flavour.
Best preparation methods
Simmer the prawn shells with the aromatic Thai herbs for a concentrated broth, and add the prawns only in the last three minutes so they stay tender and juicy.
Important Nutritional Note
The three Thai herbs (galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves) are powerful antioxidants and antimicrobials, but the sour heat calls for moderation in gastritis.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (300 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 43 kcal | 129 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g | 18 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1.7 g | 5.1 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 1.4 g | 4.2 g |
| Fat | 1 g | 3 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.3 g | 0.9 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 43 kcal per 100 g, ranking 3 of 23 in Asian dishes (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Does tom yum soup raise blood sugar?
Not at all: it is a clear broth with prawns, mushrooms and aromatic spices and no starch, and its glycemic index does not apply.
What is the nutritional value of a bowl of prawn tom yum (300 g)?
A bowl provides only about 130 kcal, 18 g of excellent seafood protein, 3 g of fat and less than 5 g of natural carbohydrate.
What is the difference between clear tom yum (nam sai) and creamy tom yum (nam khon)?
The clear version is a pure, low-calorie herb broth, while the creamy one has coconut or evaporated milk and chilli paste added, so it is higher in calories and fat.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.