Thai Coconut Chicken Soup in Midtown East, NYC
TOM KHA GAI
Tom kha gai is Thai coconut chicken soup: coconut milk simmered with galangal, lemongrass, and makrut lime leaves, with chicken and mushrooms, finished with lime juice, cilantro, and a spoonful of chili oil.
The name literally means boiled galangal chicken. Galangal looks like ginger but tastes brighter, with a citrusy, piney edge. If tom yum is usually too spicy for you, order this instead: tom kha is the creamier, gentler of the two soups, rich from the coconut milk and tangy from the lime.
One tip if it is your first bowl: the big pieces of galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaf are there to flavor the broth, not to be eaten, so set them aside like a bay leaf. We can also make it with shrimp, tofu, or vegetables instead of chicken, and spicier if you ask.
Have it as a starter to share or make it a meal with a side of jasmine rice. It sits well next to pad thai or the crispy red duck curry, and it travels well, so it is a good takeout order on a cold night.
We are on 2nd Ave at 34th Street in Murray Hill, about a five-minute walk from Grand Central. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, for dine-in or takeout.
See prices on the menu page, reserve a table on Resy, or call (917) 464-5585. Open 7 days at 625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016.
