Bangkok Tom Yam @ Petaling Jaya, Old Town

I ponder at the fact; how every working soul tomorrow, will miraculously get back to their usual 7am waking up routine and get to work, seating in front of their desktop and living life another year, just like the last.

I ponder after taking a break from the usual routine of blogging, how my post would sound and read like, in 2009.

If it is anything but comforting, it is coming out (the writing process), bit by bit, crudely put, like suffering from constipation. The brain cells are clearly still asleep whilst the body been spared the weekly gym workout.

As we make way for 2009, we shall firstly clear up 2008.

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The place which looks more like a corner lot dingy old house is also known as Bangkok Tom Yam. Hidden in the old side of Petaling Jaya, it houses a kitchen manned or in this case "womanned" by 3-4 ladies, with the chef hailing from Thailand.


Dishing out their killer Tom Yam Fish Head, another killer fact is the price. Their fish head pieces don't come cheap, ranging from at least RM 50 to RM 80 for pieces that you can count with your two hands. Add an additional piece of ikan kurau and that pot will easily cost you RM 120- RM150 if you are not careful.


The tom yam is on the thick side, tangy and spicy, with the ability to take control over the hand to scoop spoonfuls of it into your throat, to give that burning sensation. Despite the price scare, the fish was fresh and firm. It is definitely a seating on the fence when you have to judge whether the dish is worth its price.

The chicken feet kerabu was probably to blame for the wide open appetite. Tangy, spicy, crunchy it was an excellent starter.

The pork ribs, with my failing memory was well flavoured and almost warranted another plate, thank god we restrained with that big bill at the end.

The Fu Yong Egg dish was the usual omelette dish that one can cook at home, minus the "wok hei".

The Heavenly Four Kings was scrumptious as it was full of flavour, with the real deal petai being thrown into the dish. Warning, close interaction with the opposite sex should be avoided after partaking in this experience.

The Lala was done kam heong style with the refreshing addition of basil leaves which gave it a minty aftertaste.

The damage among the 5 of us was a costly RM50 per person. Judging from the "ambience" and the state of the sparsely equipped kitchen, RM 50 was on the pricey side. Then again, you could to take into consideration that the fish was probably purchased at almost near market price (lack of quantity purchased, a Coleman ice box was all they had) and the home cook experience is i suppose priceless.

Address and contact details:

23, Jalan 2/23, 46000, PJ Old Town (opposite GeorgeTown Pharmarcy)

Tel: 03-7782 4469, 012-617 1862

Opening hours: 11.00am - 2.00pm, 5.00pm - 10.00pm

Verdict: 3 stars out of 5 stars. Pity the price because the food was definitely surprisingly good and probably warrant another time eventhough i am not the biggest fan of tom yam.

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With that wishing everyone a nice 2009 year ahead.