Do you like it wet or dry? Fried wonton on the side? Extra pork crackling on top? Everybody has their own way to enjoy tom yum, arguably one of the most famous must-try street foods in Thailand. Singapore isn’t short of stellar Thai restaurants serving the iconic dish, but if you’re visiting Thailand soon, you’ll want to savour the real deal. Visit these stalls and restaurants for the best tom yum goong in Bangkok today.
Did you know that tom yum goong (prawn tom yum) is listed on the United Nations Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Originating in the central Thailand, the prawn soup has been enjoyed for generations, and is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes.
The classic tom yum goong version you’ll find in Bangkok is normally made with prawns, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, and shallots, giving the broth a distinct orange colour, and a well-balanced, sweet, sour, savoury, and often spicy flavour. These days, it is enjoyed with fresh seafood, or with minced pork and meatballs. It can be consumed “clear” or “creamy,” and with noodles and broth in one bowl, or separated (“dry”).
In Bangkok, you’ll find tom yum goong at fine dining restaurants, casual Thai restaurants, and even street food stalls. For many, it is even a popular instant noodle flavour, to be enjoyed at home or on-the-go. No matter how you like to enjoy it, read on for our street food picks for the best tom yum in Bangkok.
Where to find the best tom yum goong in Bangkok
Jeh O Chula
Great for: Shared tom yum feast with friends (but expect some queues)
Neighbourhood: Banthat Thong Road
Address: 113 Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
More info: Ran Jeh O
We’ll start off with the most iconic street food destination for tom yum in Bangkok. Jeh O is unmistakably the first name that comes to mind when many think of tom yum, and it isn’t hard to see why. The specialty of this Michelin Guide-listed street food restaurant is tom yum hot pot served with various fresh seafood toppings, instant noodles, and raw egg yolks. While the soup is the star, definitely also try some of the other regular menu items while you’re here — queues are long for this one, so make it worth your while.
Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
Great for: Prawn lovers
Neighbourhood: Ratchathewi
Address: 68, 51 Phetchaburi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
More info: Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
You may have spotted this one on social media before, as Pe Aor Tom Yum has quite a fan following. Super ‘grammable, the tom yum here comes served with generous portions of seafood — even rock lobster or river prawn — and is a popular spot especially for foreign visitors. Beyond tom yum, there are also classic Thai street food dishes on the menu that are worth trying.
Hia Big 5 Pots
Great for: Dry noodles, generous wonton servings on the side
Neighbourhood: Phra Khanong
More info: Hia Big 5 Pots
Those who live in Phra Khanong may already be familiar with this spot, and may even be a little upset we’re sharing this secret. Hia Big 5 Pots serves up a hearty tom yum broth, though their dry noodles are arguably most popular. Alongside these, the star is definitely the generously-stuffed wontons, fried or boiled as a fantastic side dish or topping.
Rung Rueang Pork Noodle
Great for: Pork ball lovers
Neighbourhood: Phrom Phong
Address: 10/3 Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
More info: Rung Rueang Pork Noodle
Listed in the Michelin Guide, too, Rung Rueang Pork Noodle is known for its varied pork toppings, and their delicious tom yum broth, which really packs a punch. Beyond the common pork variations, additional options include fish balls, as well as crispy fish skin, as an alternative to pork crackling.
Mit Ko Yuan Restaurant
Great for: Tangy broth
Neighbourhood: Maha Chai
Address: 186 Dinso Rd, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
More info: Google Maps
If you like your tom yum with some tang, try Mit Ko Yuan. Located near Democracy Monument, this street food spot serves up tom yum with a real kick. While their specialty is the broth, other must-tries also include spicy cockles salad, pork liver with crispy garlic and chilli, and a special beef tongue stew. Mit Ko Yuan is a Thai-Chinese restaurant, so expect some more dishes in this style, too.
Plaew Nakhon Pathom Tom Yum Noodles
Great for: Less spicy, more sweet tom yum
Neighbourhood: Huai Kwang
Address: 633 Pracha Rat Bamphen 21 Alley, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
More info: Plaew Tom Yum
Plaew is another tom yum spot that shot to fame thanks to its jumbo-size seafood servings. Listed in the Michelin Guide, this place is famous for its noodles and homemade pork balls, and they even do bouncy pork (moo deng). The broth is on the sweeter side, with a more nutty aroma than most.
Zaew Thonglor
Great for: Dry noodles
Neighbourhood: Thonglor
Address: 1093 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
More info: Zaew Thonglor
Zaew has been doing this since 1984, so you can trust the recipe. Located in buzzing Thonglor, they serve up a tasty tom yum, though their clear broth with pork balls as well as their yentafo are also worth ordering. The handmade noodles come at friendly prices, and the shop is almost always busy, given its popular neighbourhood status.
(Hero and featured image credit: jeh_o_chula)
This story first appeared here.