Gaeng Om Gai
Northern Thai Herbal Chicken Soup
Yes, with a tweak: request no sticky rice powder (khao khua) or tapioca starch for thickening. About 12g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Thai food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A vibrant and intensely aromatic Northern Thai (Isaan) soup, rich with herbs like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, dill, and usually bitter gourd or eggplant, with tender chicken pieces in a clear, spicy broth, thickened slightly with toasted sticky rice powder (easily omitted).
Key ingredients
Chicken, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bird's eye chilies, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, fermented fish sauce (pla ra), dill, various vegetables (e.g., small eggplant, long beans), cooking oil (minimal for paste base).
How to make it keto
Request no sticky rice powder (khao khua) or tapioca starch for thickening. Ask for minimal high-carb vegetables like pumpkin or excessive eggplant. Confirm no added sugar.
Say this to the waiter (Thai)
ไม่ใส่น้ำตาล ไม่ใส่แป้ง ไม่ใส่ข้าวคั่ว ไม่ใส่ฟักทอง ครับ/ค่ะ
For Gaeng Om Gai: no sugar, no flour or cornstarch, no toasted rice powder, no pumpkin, please. Say it: mai sai nam tan, mai sai paeng, mai sai khao khua, mai sai fak thong, khrap/kha.
Watch out for
Sticky rice powder (khao khua) for thickening, small amounts of sugar, eggplant and other starchy vegetables if heavily included.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
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