What are Thai soups called?

Thai soups are broadly known as Tom dishes, where “Tom” means “to boil.” Varieties include Tom Yum (spicy and sour soup), Tom Kha (coconut milk soup), and Khao Tom (rice soup). Each type of soup highlights different aspects of Thai flavor profiles spicy, sour, creamy, or mild—showcasing the diversity of Thai cuisine. Authentic Thai breakfast rice soup falls under this category, celebrated for its soothing and aromatic qualities.

What is Khao Tom Moo?

Khao Tom Moo is a pork version of Thai rice soup. It features minced pork or pork meatballs cooked in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, white pepper, and cilantro. This dish is a household favorite in Thailand because it’s both comforting and satisfying. Often topped with fried garlic, chopped herbs, and sometimes a poached egg, Khao Tom Moo is the epitome of a hearty Thai breakfast.

What is a traditional Thai rice breakfast?

A traditional Thai rice breakfast usually consists of simple yet hearty dishes like Khao Tom or Jok (rice porridge). These meals use rice as the base, enriched with proteins and herbs, and are often served with small side dishes or condiments. The combination of warm broth, fragrant seasonings, and fresh toppings creates a balanced breakfast that fuels the day without feeling too heavy.

What is rice soup for breakfast in Thailand?

In Thailand, rice soup for breakfast is commonly referred to as Khao Tom . This comforting dish is typically made with cooked jasmine rice simmered in a light broth, often accompanied by shrimp, pork, or chicken. It’s seasoned with fish sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs, making it flavorful yet gentle on the stomach. Khao Tom is enjoyed across the country as a nourishing way to start the day.

Thai Breakfast Rice Soup – The Best Delicious Comfort Bowl (2025)

Description

This comforting Thai Breakfast Rice Soup, also known as Khao Tom, combines a fragrant broth with tender shrimp and jasmine rice, topped with aromatic herbs and optional condiments for a hearty start to the day.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups pork stock or chicken stock, unsalted
3 cloves garlic
¼ teaspoon white peppercorns
6 cilantro stems or 2 cilantro roots
~150g shrimp, cut into small chunks, plus extra whole ones for garnish
1 tablespoon fish sauce
½ tablespoon soy sauce
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
Optional: Fried garlic & garlic oil
Optional: Green onion and/or cilantro, chopped
Optional: Chinese preserved cabbage (tang chai)
Optional: Extra ground white pepper

Instructions

Pound white peppercorns until fine, then add garlic and cilantro stems/roots and pound into a fine paste. Mix half of this paste with the small pieces of shrimp.
Saute the shrimp mixture in a pan with a little oil until cooked through. Deglaze with some stock if needed, scraping any herb bits from the bottom. Set aside.
If using whole garnish shrimp, sear them over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Bring the stock to a boil in a pot, add the remaining herb paste, and simmer for one minute.
Season with fish sauce and soy sauce, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
When ready to serve, bring the broth to a boil, add the rice and cooked shrimp, and bring back to a simmer. Immediately turn off the heat to avoid over-swelling the rice.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional condiments such as fried garlic, garlic oil, green onion, cilantro, preserved cabbage, and extra white pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not let the soup sit too long before serving, as the rice will continue to absorb the broth.
Use homemade stock for the best flavor.
Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or soy sauce based on taste preferences.
Top with your favorite condiments to enhance the flavor profile.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Thai breakfast rice soup, Khao Tom, Thai shrimp rice soup, easy Thai soup, jasmine rice soup, Thai comfort food