How to Make Tom Yum Soup with Rice Noodles (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Tom Yum Soup with Rice Noodles is a beloved dish in Singapore's vibrant kopitiams and hawker centres, reflecting the city’s passion for fusion flavours. While Tom Yum has roots in Thai cuisine, Singaporean hawker culture has warmly embraced and adapted it, often serving it with silky rice noodles and a medley of fresh local vegetables. The result is a zesty, aromatic soup that’s perfect for our tropical climate—light yet deeply satisfying. In Singapore, you’ll find vegetarian Tom Yum Soup with Rice Noodles as a popular meat-free option, balancing tangy, spicy, and savoury notes in every spoonful. The soup is infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, bringing out the bold, punchy flavours that Singaporeans love. This dish is not only delicious but also customizable, making it a staple for lunch at both modern cafés and traditional kopitiams. Its comforting warmth and lively taste make it a great choice for those seeking a healthy, flavour-packed meal that fits seamlessly into the Singaporean food scene.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Soak rice noodles (bee hoon) in hot water for 5-7 minutes until jus...
Soak rice noodles (bee hoon) in hot water for 5-7 minutes until just softened. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 · In a large pot
In a large pot, bring vegetable stock to a gentle boil. Add bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavours.
Step 3 · Add bird’s eye chilli
Add bird’s eye chilli, cherry tomatoes, and shiitake mushrooms. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
Step 4 · Stir in cubed tofu (tau kwa)
Stir in cubed tofu (tau kwa), soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 3 minutes until tofu is heated through.
Step 5 · Turn off heat
Turn off heat. Stir in fresh lime juice for an authentic tangy finish.
Step 6 · Divide soaked noodles into serving bowls
Divide soaked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle hot soup and vegetables over noodles.
Step 7 · Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.
Why this recipe is healthy
Packed with fresh ingredients and steamed rather than fried, this Tom Yum Soup with Rice Noodles is low in calories and saturated fat. It’s a great option for those managing their weight or looking for a heart-healthy meal. The use of low-sodium soy sauce and vegetable stock helps control sodium intake. Its vibrant, nutrient-dense vegetables and tofu provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and fibre, supporting a balanced diet.
A note on tradition
Tom Yum Soup with Rice Noodles is a testament to Singapore’s multicultural food landscape, where Thai influences are lovingly reinterpreted in local kopitiams and hawker stalls. Vegetarian versions are especially popular among the health-conscious and those seeking lighter meals. It’s often enjoyed during lunch hours, providing both comfort and refreshment in Singapore’s humid weather. The dish reflects Singaporeans’ love for spicy, tangy, and aromatic foods, making it a modern classic in the city’s diverse culinary repertoire.