Tom Yum Soup as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Tom Yum Soup is absolutely in that category. The balanced between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. palm sugar does work that no substitute can replicate.

Thai cooking philosophy balances four key flavour profiles in every dish. There's something about the a traditional home kitchen context that reinforces the comfort effect. Singha beer alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.