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Spiced and Sour Mushroom Soup (Tom Yam Hed)

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This aromatic mushroom soup, known as Tom Yam Hed, is a vibrant vegetarian take on the classic Thai favourite. It captures the essential balance of spicy, sour and salty flavours using a fragrant base of lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves. Unlike heavier coconut-based soups, this clear broth is incredibly light and refreshing, making it an ideal starter or a nutritious midday meal during the warmer months.

Packed with umami-rich oyster and straw mushrooms, this healthy dish replaces traditional fish sauce with savoury miso paste to keep it entirely plant-based. The addition of cherry tomatoes provides a gentle sweetness that complements the heat of the bird’s eye chillies. Serve this comforting homemade soup steaming hot for an authentic taste of Southeast Asian cuisine that is both simple and satisfying.

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Ingredients for Spiced and Sour Mushroom Soup (Tom Yam Hed)

  • 600 ml (575ml /475ml ) Vegetable Stock

  • 3 medium shallots, quartered and crushed

  • 45ml julienned galangal

  • 45ml finely diagonally sliced lemongrass

  • 3 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced

  • 3 bird's eye chillies, pressed

  • 90 g (90g) oyster mushrooms, sliced

  • 90 g (90g) straw mushrooms, trimmed and halved

  • 60 g (60g) cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 60ml miso paste

  • 45ml lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon apple concentrate or honey

How to make Spiced and Sour Mushroom Soup (Tom Yam Hed)

In a saucepan, bring vegetable stock, shallots, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chillies to a boil. Continue to boil for 4-5 minutes. Add oyster and straw mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Once cooked remove from heat and season with miso paste, lime juice and apple concentrate.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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