Restoran Ju Heng: This tom yum stall gives you a full seafood feast for under RM20

Ah, tom yum, despite originating from Thailand, this soup has been such a staple in our diet, it might as well be Malaysian. Now, a typical tom yum combo consists of rice, seafood tom yum and an omelette OR the soup and instant noodles. But does this tom yum stall dare to be different? However, imagine my shock when I found out that this restaurant in Penang served tom yum porridge! Restoran Ju Heng located in Raja Uda, Butterworth has been operating since 1999 with their tom yum and clear soup porridge being a highlight.

What I tried at Restoran Ju Heng 

Now, if you’re driving down the road at Raja Uda, this tom yum stall can be hard to miss as there are surprisingly many tom yum restaurants surrounding the area. Once at the restaurant, you’re greeted with fresh ingredients in the manner of hotpot restaurants. Although not as extensive as what you would find at a mala place, I was pretty satisfied with the choices.

They ranged from fresh seafood, chicken, processed meat and vegetables. However, a star ingredient at this tom yum stall was their crispy fried fish that had every patron filling their bowls to the brim. The crispy battered fried fish was fried on the spot by their dedicated fry cook. But, I had a concern that the fish would maintain its crispiness once it was doused in the soup.

Once you’ve selected your ingredients, the shopkeeper asks you to choose from 3 options; Tom yum Soup with Maggi noodles (RM15), Tom yum Soup with Bihun noodles (RM15) or Tom yum Porridge (RM15). Remember that the price also varies depending on the type and amount of ingredients you take.

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The shop also offers a variety of drinks; from Ice Blended varieties (RM7) to classic Chrysanthemum (RM3) and Chinese tea (RM1).

First to arrive was the tom yum with Maggi Noodles and what a sight it was! The base itself was simple, soup and noodles. The toppings were the ingredients we chose, and the fried fish. I couldn’t help myself but take a piece of fried fish and boy was I wrong! Despite being in the soup for some time, the fish didn’t lose any of its crunch and was sweet and tender on the inside. No wonder the highlight at this tom yum stall is its fried fish!

The tom yum soup itself checked every box; tangy, and spicy but with a tinge of sweetness. The ingredients themselves were nothing to rave about. I wished the prawns were a little fresher but the duck meat was a surprise twist.

Now, on to what everyone was waiting for with bated breath; the tom yum porridge! I’m scrambling to find the words to describe this dish, if I’m being honest. Now, for context, I LOATHE porridge and avoid it like the plague even if I’m sick so I was a little apprehensive to try the tom yum porridge. 

This porridge was a completely unique experience for a porridge hater like myself. It had the essential elements of the porridge but was complemented by the spiciness of the tom yum. Each spoonful was a delight but the general consensus across the table was that the tom yum porridge is definitely an acquired taste. For me, the porridge is a hit as with the combination of tom yum, it eliminates the “yuckiness” of the porridge.

Final thoughts

Penang-ites or even Malaysians in general, Restoran Ju Heng is a must-visit if you’re a tom yum lover. I’d recommend those who dislike porridge to give this stall’s tom yum porridge a try and share with us if your perspective changes.

Even if you’re not a fan of the porridge, I’d sail across the seven seas to this tom yum stall to eat the fried fish bites (and maybe be buried in them as well!). 

Pro tip: Make sure to bring your cash when visiting this tom yum stall, and parking around the area can be tricky so plan your travels accordingly.

Expected damage: RM15 to RM20 per pax

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