Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-tom-yum-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Tom Yum Vegetarian? (Shrimp & Fish Sauce)

Tom yum is a hot-and-sour Thai soup, and the classic version is shrimp-based. The sour flavor comes
from lime and lemongrass, but the savory base comes from fish sauce. Here is how to order it
vegetarian.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Tom yum is usually not vegetarian: the classic "tom yum goong" is made with shrimp and fish sauce.
> - The sour flavor comes from lemongrass, galangal, lime and chili, all plant-based.
> - Mushroom or tofu tom yum is the vegetarian version, but it still needs "no fish sauce."
> - Confirm no chicken stock or oyster sauce in restaurant versions.

**TL;DR: Tom yum is usually not vegetarian.** The classic "tom yum goong" is a hot-and-sour soup
made with shrimp and seasoned with fish sauce. A vegetarian/vegan version with mushrooms or tofu
is common: just ask for no shrimp and no fish sauce.

## What's in tom yum

Tom yum's signature sour-spicy flavor comes from lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili
and lime: all plant-based. The non-veg parts:

- **Shrimp**: "goong" means shrimp; it's the default protein.
- **Fish sauce**: the seasoning base.
- Sometimes **chicken stock** or **oyster sauce** in restaurant versions.

## The vegetarian version

"Tom yum hed" (mushroom) or a tofu version swaps the shrimp for mushrooms/vegetables and uses
**soy sauce or salt instead of fish sauce**. Thai restaurants can usually make this on request.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Order mushroom/tofu tom yum, no shrimp.
- **Vegan?** Same, and confirm no fish sauce or oyster sauce.

See our [Tom Yum dish guide](/food/thailand/tom-yum-goong/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*