Those who favour the unique concoction of sweet, sour, spicy, & fragrant can’t resist the temptation of the popular Thai dish: Tom Yam! This famous soup-based dish has been spread worldwide, with each country modifying their own variation, including Malaysia. The good thing is you can find many of these variations just in Penang, from the original Thai to the sweeter Malay version. So make mental notes of this as we journey down this list of must-try Tom Yam spots in Penang!
10 Must-Try Tom Yam Restaurants In Penang
1. Ekonomi Tomyam (Open For 24 Hours)
While there are many exceptional Tomyam spots in Penang, what makes this establishment our top 1 choice is that it is open 24 hours! Yes, you heard it right! This popular Tomyam restaurant allows its patrons to enjoy their favourite Tomyam dishes all day long, with a series of other delectable Thai dishes too. Personally, we love their Ayam Masak Paprik (Paprik Chicken) & Siakap Masak 3 Rasa (Three-Flavored Fish).
There are also affordable meal sets for two pax starting from only RM24.70*. If you’re out with a friend or your partner, do check out their Set Bertaut, Set Perindu, Set Sejiwa & Set Memikat which come with complimentary keropok & ice cream.
Plus, seafood lovers have to try their Shellout Tomyam: a seafood feast cooked in Tomyam sauce and served on a clean sheet. Devour a wide range of seafood including prawns, mussels, shellfish, squids, and other toppings. Don’t worry about the distance because there are three outlets in George Town, Sungai Dua and Bayan Lepas where you can pick the nearest to you.
Ekonomi Tomyam Astaka Stadium
Address: 181-203, Jln Perak, 10150 George Town, Penang
Contact: 011-1089 9174
Ekonomi Tomyam Bayan Baru
Address: 66, Lorong Mahsuri 10, Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 017-433 5967
Ekonomi Tomyam Sungai Dua
Address: 674-B, Jalan Sungai Dua, Sungai Dua, 11700 Pulau pinang, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 011-1099 1703
[Muslim-owned]
2. Nana Tomyam
Being one of the popular spots for Malay Tomyam in George Town, the second spot on the list belongs to Nana Tomyam. A well-known establishment that serves savoury Malay-style Thai dishes at an affordable price. This place is perfect for working groups to dine in as their food can be shared among big parties. We recommend ordering their White Tomyam, which carries more lemongrass flavour along with a spicy kick.
Address: 6A, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11.30 am – 7.30 pm (Mon); 11.30 am – 10.30 pm (Tue-Sun)
Contact: 017-468 0644
[Muslim-owned]
3. Wang Thai
If we’re talking about Tom Yam, it’d be a crime if we left out the original version itself. For all the Thai food lovers, this is for you! Wang Thai excels in making superb Tom Yam that comes in three versions: Clear, Creamy & White. The looks of it might vary but its strong, sour taste of lemongrass and galangal is enough to keep us wanting more. Moreover, their other dishes such as Ginger Crabs with Glass Noodles and Crispy Shrimp Cakes pair well with the spicy taste of the Tom Yam. Even better with their Thai fragrant rice!
Address: 294, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm; 6.00pm – 10.00pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 04-226 5168
[Non-Halal]
4. Haswin Tomyam
Another Malay-style Tomyam in Penang that is worthy of the top 5! Haswin Tomyam is another good option for delicious Tomyam soup and scrumptious dishes. Not to mention they have multiple protein choices for your favourite spicy soup, including chicken feet (Tomyam Kaki Ayam)! Another unique dish worth mentioning is their Aneka Masak Cabai (translated as Chilli-cooked Series) which features fish, chicken, beef or prawns cooked in red chilli paste.
Address: Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm (Daily)
Contact: 010-528 8182
[Halal]
5. Lye Lee Restaurant
“Lai” (‘Come’ in Mandarin) to this small restaurant located in Bayan Baru which is a hotspot for working people there. Its wide selection of noodles and soups has attracted the attention of locals, especially its Tomyam and Hot & Sour. Their version of the Thai soup is placed higher on the spiciness scale, but its addicting taste along with the rice vermicelli just rendered us speechless. And of course, their other best-seller: the Hot & Sour noodles is also a must-try with its hot yet delicious taste.
Address:1-1-10, Tingkat Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operating hours: 11.00am – 3.00pm; 5.00pm – 8.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-439 7355
[Non-Halal]
6. Originally Bangkok Tomyam
Situated in Bayan Lepas, this restaurant has wow-ed locals with its appetizing array of authentic Halal Thai dishes. Many would flock there for its best-seller Tom Yam, which comes in 4 choices: Clear Seafood, Seafood, Shrimp & Mixed. Their ‘Ikan Keng Som’ is also worth ordering but do remember that it’s not for those who cannot handle spicy. Moreover, the spacious dining area there makes the perfect choice for any family or coworking gathering.
Address: 85, Persiaran Mahsuri 1/3, Bandar Sunway Tunas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 12.00pm – 12.00am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 04-644 2205
[Halal]
7. Ju Heng Tomyam
We definitely can’t leave out one of the most iconic Tomyam spots in Penang! When one Penangite thinks of Tomyam, Ju Heng will instantly pop up in our minds. Known for its slightly sweeter taste, this unique variation is served with ingredients of your own choice and rice or noodles. Don’t forget to order their fried fish meat too! Also, do expect a queue there every day as it is a hotspot in Raja Uda, Penang.
Address: Jalan Raja Uda, Taman Bunga Raya, 13000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 5.30pm – 12.00am (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 019-466 9009
[Non-Halal]
8. Khunthai Restaurant
On the far end of Penang Island lies a hidden gem (technically not so hidden anymore) which is Khunthai Restaurant. Many are well aware of its authentic Thai spread and fresh seafood best shared among large groups. Their Tomyam is traditionally prepared so you will never be disappointed by its fragrant taste. Not to mention there’s a private beach there where you can dine with a sea view. There’s also another branch in Butterworth, so you do not need to travel so far if you’re residing in Mainland Penang.
Khunthai Restaurant @ Teluk Kumbar
Address: 1052 MK9, Jalan Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar, Penang
Operating hours: 11.00pm – 10.30pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-625 1206
[Pork-Free]
Khunthai Restaurant @ Butterworth
Address: 104, Jalan Permatang Tengah, Taman Seri Ceraya, 13000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11.00am – 12.00am (Daily)
Contact: 04-332 7523
[Pork-Free]
9. Kwong Wah Tomyam Noodles
This humble shop near Kwong Wah Primary School is another popular Tom Yam spot in Raja Uda. Similar to the serving style of Ju Heng, this shop allows you to add your own ingredients and prepare your noodles individually. So yes, expect some waiting here too but trust us when we say it’s worth it. Its version of the Tomyam is more toned down with less spiciness and more sweetness, so you don’t need to keep reaching out for your drink. We definitely recommend choosing the Maggi noodles as it pairs the best with the soup.
Address: No 7121 – G, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300, Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 12300 Butterworth
Operating hours: 6.00pm – 3.00am (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 012-574 2696
[Non-Halal]
10. Thai Shop
Once regarded as an affordable spot to enjoy Thai food, this food shack is where you get a good bowl of Thai Tomyam noodles in Penang. This is the place for you if you’re a big fan of the famous Thai brand, MAMA Instant Noodle. Its signature Tomyam soup paired with a runny yolk will make you slurp the bowl clean. Not to mention there’s also a seafood option with calamari and fresh prawns. Do check out their other Thai delicacies such as the Grilled Pork Skewers (Moo Ping) and Thai Basil Minced Pork Rice (Pad Kra Pow).
Address: 102B, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 12.00pm – 2.30pm; 6.00pm – 9.15pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-741 1868
[Non-Halal]
10 Places Where You Can Satisfy Your Tomyam Cravings In Penang
No need to drool over Tomyam now. Just hit up your Foodie besties to visit all these spots this week! Hope this list is able to inspire your next go-to spot for Tomyam in Penang. Enjoy!
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