Best Tom Yam in Johor Bahru (JB)

Tired of shopping and in need of a break with a dish that blows you away? Look no further than Johnny’s at AEON Tebrau City. It’s habitually plopped wit patrons, slurping up the buoyant-bright Tomyam that is liberally loaded with ocean goodness and multifarious greens. It does kick in with subtle heat and sweat glands do start to work but leave the worries aside as it’s fully air-conditioned. Not being skimp on the ingredients, charming ambiance, and attentive hospitality are other vital points it's a must visit.

Housed in AEON Tebrau City, Black Canyon has gained reputation as one of the best restaurants to satiate authentic Thai cuisine. Not a surprise from a restaurant chain that originated from Thailand and has spread its wings to numerous locations in Malaysia. With exposed beams festooned with falling lightings, it creates a comfy vibe. You don’t actually need to peruse the menu, just eye-scan the neighbouring tables, which is usually graced with a buoyant-bright bowl of tomyam. Graciously served with a melange of vegetables, fresh seafood and finished off with enoki mushrooms, chilies as well as chopped herbs, the depth of flavours is spot-on and does leave your wanting more, certainly lives up to its hype. 

This imposing restaurant is devoted to making you feel like walking into an opulent restaurant in Bangkok. Marvel the photogenic ornaments and decorations that embody the culture and heritage of the neighbouring country. The heavenly aroma of Tomyam just hovers within the air and you know not ordering the luscious broth would be close to a crime. Chock-full in a huge clay bowl, it’s flooded with squids and prawns, as well as crunchy vegetables that just win your heart. The ratio of seafood is amazing, truly value-for-money. 

If you don't mind the mosquito and heat, then Bangkok Village Restaurant is certainly worth visiting. Having said that, the place is actually quite pretty as it feels close to nature. As for the food, you can expect a great deal of flavour, as well as variety. The tom yom too, is well deserving of this spot as it is packed with spice and herbs. 

Be amazed at the undulating stacks of bowls upon entering the dining space as it’s one of most revered restaurants in Johor Bahru serving boat noodles with affordable price tags. The ambiance deserves applause too; it’s tailored to satisfy hipsters as well as families, with white-washed tables and chairs, draped with charming wallpapers and chic designs. Look beyond the noodles and perk up a little heat with their tomyam, which is brimming with bright colours and flavours, swamped with succulent plump prawns and herby greens. For those with gargantuan appetite and seafood enthusiasts, opt for their Tomyam Lobster Noodles, it’s an epicurean’s joy. Huge fresh lobster, prawns, mussels, slivers of eggs and noodles drenched in a lip-smacking broth fills the bowl. 

Pachem Thai Food offers an authentic taste of Thai cuisine. As the menu is limited, it can only be assumed that they take their time to perfect the recipe for each dish. It is highly recommended to try the Seafood Tom Yam, comes with plenty of fresh shrimp and crab legs with oyster mushroom for added texture. Made with homemade tom yam paste, it results in spicy flavourful broth. Though the broth is leaning more towards being spicy than it is sour, the balance of those two together will make your taste buds tingle with excitement. Just the smell of it is enough to elevate your afternoon appetite. Priced at RM20.00 per bowl, the portion is big enough for sharing. Gentle reminder: due to its short operating hours, there will always be a sea of people flocking this premise so be patient.

You’re bound to hear echoes of “Sawadee-kap” as you step in this resort-like restaurant that is embellished with colourful oil-paper umbrellas and gleaming tapestries that just teleports you to the Land of Smiles visually. Your nostrils are greeted with aromas of tomyam that whets your appetite straightaway and it sure makes a part of your order. Served piping hot with generous thumps of prawns, squids and chickens (if your grab the mixed tomyam), and crunchy greens, it’s simply impeccable. Do specify the heat scale of your palate. 

In bloody long name for a restaurant but nevertheless, a good one at that. Wufu Chok Dee Thai Restaurant is a mix of Thai and Chinese cuisine where the best of both worlds comes to light. The restaurant is famed for its wide range of dishes, which includes the deliciously spicy seafood tom yam. It's simple, hearty and goes good with rice.