Yesterday night I did something that would probably get me cancelled on mainstream foodie social media, I ordered a non-spicy Tom Yum. 😂 Hear me out before the chili police arrive. For me, Tom Yum has three main pillars, seafood, lemongrass, and tom yum paste. I’m taking a step back on the 3rd one right now because my stomach has been a little acidic lately. But I still crave the ocean-y sweetness of fresh seafood and that aroma from lemongrass. So I asked the chef if he could make my bowl without the paste. He hesitated (understandable!), then said okay. Bless him.😁
The stall was buzzing when I joined the queue, fluorescent signs glowing, steam drifting up from stock pots, and the menu boards flashing comforting classics. There’s even a small “lower in calories” tag next to their seafood Tom Yum, which made me feel extra relieved while waiting. At SGD 6.00, this is a value bowl in today’s hawker world, so the line is quite long. When my number came up, the chef worked swiftly, tossing in aromatics and seafood, hawker-style rhythm.
What arrived, a deep, clear broth perfumed with lemongrass and kaffir notes, carrying generous servings of big, fresh prawns, neatly scored squid (they actually tenderized and “designed” it in pretty crosshatch), tofu cubes, crunchy greens, and seaweed. I got a bowl of rice on the side because rice with clear soup is my comfort combo. The first sip surprised me, in a good way. Without the paste, the soup turns from fiery to gentle and bright. You taste the sweetness of the prawns directly, and the lemongrass shines instead of competing with heat. It’s soothing, clean, and still very much a Tom Yum in spirit, just the mellow version.
The seafood quality is the star. Those prawns? Plump, naturally sweet, and bouncy. The squid has that tender-springy texture that tells you somebody took their time preparing it. I also love how the tofu acts like a flavor sponge, each soft cube releases a tiny burst of broth when you bite. Seaweed adds a pleasant oceanic flavor, and the greens (a mix of lettuce and bittergourd-like slices) stay crisp enough to keep each spoonful lively.
Value-wise, this bowl punches above its price tag. At SGD 6.00, you’re getting full-sized prawns and generous servings of seafood, not the “count them with one finger” kind. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and it fits neatly into that healthy, affordable bracket I reach for on weeknights when I want to eat well but keep things light.
Would purists say this isn’t “real” Tom Yum? Maybe. But food evolves around people, and last night I needed warmth, clarity, and comfort, minus the spiciness of the chili paste. This version gave me exactly that. If you’re spice-sensitive, nursing a delicate tummy, or simply in the mood for a calming bowl that still checks the seafood and lemongrass boxes, try asking for it clear. Worst case, the stall says no. Best case, you find your new favorite weeknight soup.
Overall: A soothing, seafood-forward Tom Yum experience that proves flavor doesn’t always have to shout to be memorable. Fresh prawns, tender squid, clean lemongrass notes, and a price that feels almost old-school hawker, *I’d happily return (and when my stomach behaves again, maybe I’ll invite the chili back to the party).***
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