
Prepare the ingredients before cooking. Cut the chicken into chunky bite-size pieces and clean the squid or octopus. Bruise the lemongrass, galangal, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, and bird's eye chilies to release their aroma. Slice the onion, cut the tomato into wedges, and juice the lemon.



Place the chicken in a large pot. Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, onion, and enough water to just cover the chicken, about 1.5 liters. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce slightly and simmer until the chicken begins to cook through.


Stir in the tom yum paste, crushed chilies, tomato, sugar, and chicken bouillon. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes so the broth becomes fragrant and the tomato softens.



Add the squid or octopus and pour in the evaporated milk. Simmer gently for about 3 minutes, just until the seafood is cooked and tender. Avoid boiling hard after adding the milk.



Turn off the heat, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, sugar, or bouillon as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro or coriander and serve hot with steamed rice or simple stir-fried vegetables.

