Image: Thai Soup with Fresh Lemongrass

Available versions of this image

• Regular size (1,536 x 1,024): JPEG - WebP
• Large size (3,072 x 2,048): JPEG - WebP

Image description

A high-resolution, landscape-oriented photograph captures the preparation of a traditional Thai tom yum soup in a warmly lit, rustic kitchen. The focal point is a black, round-bottomed metal wok with a slightly worn interior, placed on a matte black stovetop. Inside the wok, the soup simmers with a rich, orange-red broth that glistens with droplets of chili oil. The surface of the broth is alive with vibrant ingredients: large, pink-orange shrimp with curled tails and translucent flesh, thick slices of off-white mushrooms, diagonally cut red chili peppers, and glossy green kaffir lime leaves with gently curled edges.

A hand enters the frame from the upper right corner, holding two fresh lemongrass stalks. The stalks are pale green at the base, transitioning to a deeper green at the top, with the ends trimmed to reveal their fibrous interior. The hand, with a light skin tone and neatly trimmed nails, grips the lemongrass between thumb and index finger, poised to drop them into the bubbling soup.

Surrounding the wok on a dark wooden surface are additional fresh ingredients that enhance the scene’s culinary authenticity. Three whole lemongrass stalks lie diagonally to the left of the wok, their outer layers slightly peeled to expose the aromatic core. Below them rests a halved lime, its vibrant green rind and juicy, segmented interior glistening under the warm light. Two slender, glossy red chili peppers with green stems are placed beside the lime, adding a pop of color and hinting at the soup’s spicy character.

The composition is carefully arranged to highlight the freshness and vibrancy of the ingredients. The lighting is warm and directional, casting soft shadows and enhancing the natural colors of the food. The background is subtly blurred, drawing attention to the soup and its preparation. The image evokes a sense of comfort and culinary tradition, celebrating the aromatic complexity and visual beauty of Thai cuisine.

This scene is ideal for culinary catalogs, educational materials, or promotional content focused on Southeast Asian cooking, food photography, or ingredient storytelling. The image’s realism and attention to detail make it a compelling visual narrative of Thai soup preparation.

The image is related to: A Guide to Growing Lemon Grass in Your Garden