One of the most popular dishes we would associate with Thailand would be Tom Yam (ต้มยำ). The broth that tastes spicy and sour knows how to excite our palates, and eating it is certainly a blessing because it tastes extraordinary. Originally from Thailand, the word ‘Tom Yam’ was a result of 2 word derivations: ‘Tom’ meaning boiling and ‘Yam’ meaning Thai and Lao sour, spicy salad. Add those two words together, and then we have sour, spicy broth. In the beginning, Tom Yam was only a clear, light broth. As years passed, many variations of Tom Yam have emerged, especially those we know of, the thick and creamy Tom Yum that is added with coconut milk. Nevertheless, both versions taste just as good as the other.
Another primary characteristic of Tom Yam is how aromatic it is due to the generous amount of herbs added to it. Subsequently, increasing our appetite to the max and making it more tempting to eat. In Sabah, Tom Yam is everywhere, and Sabahans are not complaining. Instead, they are happy to have the opportunity to eat Tom Yam conveniently. If you live in Sabah and are craving Tom Yam, keep reading as this article introduces the 10 best Tom Yam in Sabah 2023.
Is Tom Yam Only Meant For Seafood?
Not at all. Although mainstream media usually portray Tom Yam as a spicy and sour broth with added seafood, typically prawns, Tom Yam isn’t just limited to seafood added into it. In a Tom Yam, you can also have other proteins for substitution, such as chicken.
I Can’t Handle Spicy Food. Does That Mean I Can’t Have Tom Yam?
Normally, Tom Yam is a spicy dish. But Tom Yam in the country is significantly less spicy than those served in Thailand. Moreover, many restaurants serve not spicy Tom Yam in Sabah. It is just a matter of finding one that suits you best since everyone’s spice tolerance is different.
10 Best Tom Yam In Sabah 2023
1. Salathai Tomyam Seafood
If you ask locals where to find a good Tom Yam, they will recommend Salathai Tomyam Seafood in Alamesra, Kota Kinabalu. And those locals are right because the Tom Yam here is insanely good. Full of authentic, fresh Thai ingredients to transport you into the flavours of Thailand without actually travelling to that country. Isn’t that cool?
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot 71, Block K, Jalan Sulaman, Lorong Plaza Utama, Alamesra, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 012-8646092
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
2. Restoran Ori Thai Tomyam Seafood
With an aromatic, spicy and sour Tom Yam, Restoran Ori Thai Tomyam Seafood is the new buzz for delectable Tom Yam ever. The restaurant always satisfies customers with its Tom Yam. It’s always good and enjoyable for Tom Yam enthusiasts to try. Moreover, the Tom Yam is affordable, perfect if you want to eat Tom Yam without spending so much money.
Operating Hours: Always Open
Address: Taman Putera Jaya, 88400 Telipok, Sabah
Phone No: 014-6764305
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Orithaitomyam
3. Tuk Tuk Tomyam
Sometimes, we suddenly crave Tom Yam. Suppose this is you right now. Well, good news! Tuk Tuk Tomyam is here to the rescue. Everything you want from a Tom Yam, Tuk Tuk Tomyam serves you that. From authentic Thai Tom Yam to how flavourful it tastes, Tuk Tuk Tomyam is your way to go.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Harbour city Jalan Pantai Baru, Jalan Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-3648994
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/tuktuktomyamkotakinabalu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuktuktomyam/?hl=en
Website Info4. Nok Thai Restaurant
Nok Thai Restaurant is a well-known Thai restaurant in Luyang, Kota Kinabalu. Here, its Tom Yam is one of the top-ordered dishes as customers are obsessed with its superb flavours; ‘A must try Tom Yam!’ as many customers would say. Although the Tom Yam is priced slightly higher than local standards, that doesn’t stop the locals from crowding the restaurant. Also, when you taste the Tom Yam, that high price is instantly forgiven because every money spent is worth it when it comes to the Tom Yam of Nok Thai Restaurant.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 1, Lorong Pokok Kayu Manis 2, Luyang Commercial Centre, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-538055
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nokthairestaurant/?hl=en
5. Warung Zara Café
If you eat the Tom Yam from Warung Zara Café, your mouth will go through a condition called: a flavour explosion. Seriously, the Tom Yam is divine. Flame, red and aromatic, alluring you to order it again once you finished it the first time. Furthermore, this café has a very comfy dining area, perfect for enjoying your Tom Yam in peace.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 10:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Monday (Closed)
Address: Bingkor, 89000 Keningau, Sabah
Phone No: 010-2209069
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Warung-Zara-Cafe/100063529784725/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warungzaracafe/?hl=en
6. Sawi Thai
Situated in Megah, Tawau, Sawi Thai offers you delightful, authentic Tom Yam to enjoy. Many have said the Tom Yam here tastes exactly how it tastes like it is in Thailand. So, you know it’s the real deal. The Tom Yum is pleasantly spicy, but if you can’t handle the heat, don’t worry, as the kitchen staff is always ready to accommodate your taste preference. So, what are you waiting for? Get the Tom Yam of Sawi Thai now!
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Megah Industry Park, TB C11 (Lot11), Jalan Industri Megah 1, Jalan Tiku, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 089-760623
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/SawiThai/100057599163218/
7. Nur Dapur Tom Yam & Nasi Katok
Dear Tom Yam lovers, let me introduce you to Nur Dapur Tom Yam & Nasi Katok. It doesn’t matter where you are or where you live; if you love Tom Yam, you have to try the Tom Yam here. Always packed with umami, the Tom Yam here is highly recommended. Furthermore, you can have your Tom Yam however you want. Maybe you want it with noodles, rice, or even just the broth alone is fine. Hurray!
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 9:30 pm (Monday – Saturday)
9:30 am – 9:30 pm (Sunday)
Address: Grd Flr, Lot 114, Jalan Gaya, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-8460073
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/nurdapurkk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurdapurkk/?hl=en
8. Restoran TomYam
Situated in Prima Square, Sandakan, Restoran TomYam is here to serve you mouthwatering Tom Yam for your delight. From the creamy, spicy Tom Yam broth to the fresh proteins inside it, there is no wonder Restoran TomYam is famously known for its Tom Yam dishes. Many people also get its Tom Yam fried rice, so you could get it for some Tom Yam overflow.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: Bandar Prima Square Sandakan, Bandar prima batu 4, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Phone No: 013-2086910
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/people/Restoran-TomYam/100057878640580/
9. Thai Secret Recipe
Whenever those who live in Keningau wants to get some tasty Tom Yum, Thai Secret Recipe is one of the places that they will go to. The Tom Yam tastes excellent, and its open-air and huge dining area is perfect for families and friends to come and dine together. With all these mentioned, come to Thai Secret Recipe with your loved ones for some Tom Yam now!
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 500, Kampung Tuarid Taud, 89000 Keningau, Sabah
Phone No: 012-8733228
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Thai-secret-recipe-restaurant/100057229368703/
10. TomYam Raja Udang
Nothing beats a Tom Yum that is made with love, care and quality ingredients, and TomYam Raja Udang takes this to heart. Only the best Tom Yam will be served to customers, and customers are in love with it. Here, you can have your Tom Yum with succulent king prawns, which absorb the flavoursome Tom Yam broth. So yummy!
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: TB4404 Lot 1, Block A, Ground Floor Jalan Bandaran Baru, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Phone No: 016-8302777
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tomyam-Raja-Udang/100063966947135/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
