Hot, sour, and a staple in Thai cuisine — you haven’t fully arrived in Bangkok until you’ve gotten a taste of good tom yum. Luckily, we know all of the best places.
Not to be confused with the 2005 film starring Tony Jaa, getting tom yum while in Bangkok is always the right choice. It’s filled with local spices, pairs perfectly well with any seafood options and freshly cooked rice, and if you go to the right place, doesn’t compromise on the kick it needs.
Since Thai restaurants are dime a dozen, here are the best places to go for the best tom yum in Bangkok.
Where to find the best tom yum in Bangkok
Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
Pe Aor’s tom yum is the peak of customisability. If you’re looking for a chill, casual experience with great tom yum soup, their tom yum noodles with shrimp, minced eat, and egg is just shy of THB 100. However, their signature dish is the THB 1,200 bowl with a huge rock lobster, mussels, crab, and more.
Pictured above is a special order which you can also get, including rock lobsters and seafood, with more river prawns underneath, with a price tag of THB 8,000.
Location: 68, 51 Phetchaburi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.
Timings: Open daily, 10 am – 9 pm
You can find more information at Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle.
Jeh O
Sometimes angels take the form of humans, and one of them is Jeh O. Her down-to-Earth eatery has been a hit among locals and international visitors for as long as we remember, and despite the long line, people still come back for her tom yum, among many other treats. “MAMA OHO” is the signature here, consisting of a huge bowl of tom yum soup with instant noodles and customisable toppings. Prawns, squid, eggs, crab meat — you name it.
For a big sharing portion, prices start at THB 120, so it won’t break the bank to try amazing tom yum in Bangkok.
Location: 113, Banthat Thong Road, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.
Timings: Opens daily, 4.30 pm – 12 am
You can find more information at Jeh O.
Somboon Seafood
When it comes to seafood, Somboon has been serving up a storm since their culinary debut in 1969. They’re known for putting fried crab curry on the map, now served as a staple at many seafood restaurants in Thailand. As they’re well-loved for their authentic recipes, that also applies to their tom yum.
Location: 169 / 7-12 Surawong Rd, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok.
Timings: Opens daily, 11 am – 9.30 pm
You can find more information at Somboon Seafood.
Ruen Noppagao
Ruen Noppagao digs deep into the archives to serve you royal Thai cuisine, featuring age-old recipes as enjoyed by Thai royals themselves. Their tom yum features an eye-catching pair of river prawns, and the soup is made with shrimp fat and organic coconut for a smooth taste and varying textures.
Location: Soi Sathon 6, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok.
Timings: 11.30 am – midnight
You can find more information at Ruen Noppagao.
ERR Urban Rustic Thai
ERR is a Thai restaurant in Bangkok that serves up simple yet no-nonsense dishes, helmed by chefs Bo and Dylan from Bo.lan. They utilise in-house preserved foods made from quality ingredients, and one of the results is their “Tom Yum Kha Moo.” It’s their take on the spicy and sour soup using pork hock and pickled cabbages. It’s a different direction to what locals are used to when it comes to Bangkok’s tom yum, but one we can get used to.
Location: 56 10 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok.
Timings: Open Sat-Mon, 11 am-11 pm; Tue-Fri, 5-11 pm; Closed on Wed
You can find more information at ERR Urban Rustic Thai.
Vanida Bangkok
Vanida is all about homey Thai dishes and authentic recipes from the olden days, along with some modern interpretations you’ll welcome. As their venue is a vintage house that is over 100 years old , it will be like travelling in time as you dine.
Their river prawn tom yum hits all the right notes — it’s hot, tangy, spicy, and full of aromas that compliment the protein well. If you’re a fan of fusion food, they also have a tom yum spaghetti available, and it’s perfect for both a quick lunch or to share.
Location: 136 Chan Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Timings: Opens daily, 8 am – 9 pm
You can find more information at Vanida Bangkok.
Hero and featured images: Courtesy Streets of Food/Unsplash
