Original Source: tnp.straitstimes.com
In a jubilant celebration of its culinary prowess, Thailand’s iconic tom yum kung—the tantalizing hot and sour soup beloved by locals and tourists alike—has earned a prestigious accolade from UNESCO, being inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This momentous announcement, revealed on December 3 during a session in Asuncion, Paraguay, signifies not only a triumph for Thai cuisine but also a recognition of the rich tapestry woven through its culinary traditions.
The Cultural Minister of Thailand, Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, expressed her ecstatic delight in this achievement, asserting that tom yum kung embodies the depth of the nation’s cultural knowledge and culinary artistry. It represents a journey that began in March 2021 when the Thai Cabinet first proposed it for UNESCO’s consideration, following its earlier acknowledgment in 2011 as a significant cultural element. This crowning moment now places tom yum kung alongside other cultural treasures like the captivating Khon dance and the lively Songkran festival.
Beyond a mere dish, this recognition is envisaged as a powerful catalyst to elevate Thailand’s cultural soft power, stimulating job creation and economic stability at community and national levels. Minister Sudawan hinted at the forthcoming vote for another potential UNESCO listing, this time for the beautifully crafted kebaya, a garment that symbolizes shared Southeast Asian heritage. The excitement is palpable as the Culture Ministry plans to harness this newfound accolade through media promotion, tourism integration, and international showcases.
To honor this significant milestone, a vibrant three-day event is set to unfold at the EmQuartier shopping mall in Bangkok from December 6 to 8. Attendees will be enchanted by cooking demonstrations from Michelin-starred chefs, mesmerizing kebaya fashion shows, and cultural performances that vividly trace the history of tom yum kung and kebaya. The festivities promise a sensory delight, with free tastings of the spicy, aromatic soup, inviting the world to savor the essence of Thailand’s culinary heritage.
Tom yum kung, a flavorful and aromatic soup, is a quintessential dish in Thai cuisine known for its harmonious blend of sour and spicy flavors derived from fresh herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. This special soup, often made with shrimp, is not merely a comfort food; it is a cultural symbol representing the nation’s gastronomic heritage. The recognition by UNESCO highlights Thailand’s commitment to preserving its unique culinary traditions while promoting cultural tourism and community empowerment. The inclusion of various cultural aspects under UNESCO aims to underscore the importance of intangible heritage in fostering national identity and pride among citizens.
The recognition of tom yum kung by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a significant milestone for Thailand, celebrating the nation’s rich culinary landscape and promoting its cultural identity globally. With this accolade, the soup not only gains international acclaim but also paves the way for economic stability and cultural tourism. As festivities unfold in Bangkok, the celebration of both tom yum kung and the kebaya embodies a deep appreciation of shared cultural narratives, inviting the world to partake in Thailand’s flavorful heritage.
