Quick Answer - Cuisine with tom yum soup
The New York Times crossword clue “Cuisine with tom yum soup” is answered with “THAI”, a 4-letter entry at 8-Across.
- Clue: “Cuisine with tom yum soup”
- Answer: THAI
- Length: 4 letters
- Position: 8-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Cuisine with tom yum soup” is answered with THAI, which fits the four-square pattern perfectly.
Why “THAI” Is the Right NYT Answer
- Tom yum is one of the best-known traditional soups from Thailand, so when the clue asks for the cuisine associated with tom yum, THAI is the direct, literal match.
- The clue uses a definition-by-example style (“cuisine with…”), a very common crossword device where a signature dish points straight to the national cuisine.
Because THAI is a short, vowel-rich word, it’s frequently used in crosswords, especially in early-week NYT grids as an accessible entry.
What “THAI” Means in Plain English
- In plain English, Thai refers to something from Thailand—its people, language, or, as here, its food.
- So “Thai cuisine” is simply the style of cooking from Thailand, which prominently features dishes like tom yum soup, curries, and stir-fries.
The puzzle focuses only on that basic food-related meaning, not on culture or travel advice.
Crossword-Specific Help: Pattern, Crossings, and Variants
- At 8-Across, THAI fills a four-letter slot as T–H–A–I, matching a pattern like _ _ _ _ that becomes obvious once a couple of crossings are in place.
- With letters such as T and A confirmed from crossing downs, THAI is usually the only common cuisine word that fits both the pattern and the “tom yum” reference.
This answer can also appear with related clues like “Cuisine with pad thai,” “Bangkok cuisine,” or “Pad see ew cuisine.”
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue says “Cuisine with [signature dish],” think of the country you associate most strongly with that dish (e.g., sushi → JAPANESE, paella → SPANISH).
- Always match the grid length: for four letters and Southeast Asian food, THAI is often your prime candidate.
Recognizing common food-based signals like “tom yum,” “pad thai,” or “green curry” can give you fast wins in many modern NYT puzzles.
