Khao Tom 3/1 in Yaowarat, Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand

I was recently wandering around Yaowarat with Paul from Walk Fly Pinoy and I wanted to hit up my old go-to-spot for delicious food at all times – the legendary Jaow Restaurant.

Unfortunately, due to construction, the restaurant that normally includes dishes that are sprawled out onto the sidewalk in an amazing display, was gone (I think they’ve relocated, but not sure exactly where).

Across the streets there’s a similar place that serves a mind boggling array of prepared Thai Chinese dishes, and so we crossed the street for a taste of Khao Tom 3/1 (ข้าวต้ม 3/1).

pla kahpung neung manao (steamed barramundi in lime and garlic sauce ปลากะพงนึ่งมะนาว)

The pla kahpung neung manao (steamed barramundi in lime and garlic sauce ปลากะพงนึ่งมะนาว) was begging to be chosen, despite the other tempting dishes.

Khao Tom 3/1 (ข้าวต้ม 3/1)

The fish was excellent, a little cold from having sat out for a while, but the flavor was absolutely marvelous. Not too sweet, but excitingly sour and awesomely flavored with raw garlic and chillies.

It was the perfect style of pla kahpung neung manao for me, similar to Lan Thung Khao Tom Hua Pla.

Our little fishy friend went down real well!

Deliciousness!

The fish mingled with raw garlic, fresh sliced chillies, and a little cilantro over rice was absolutely delightful.

pad pak bung fai daeng (stir fried morning glory ผัดผักบุ้งไฟแดง)

Khao Tom 3/1 will also stir fry a number of dishes they have on hand if you’re interested in something fresh. I reverted back to one of the classic – pad pak bung fai daeng (stir fried morning glory ผัดผักบุ้งไฟแดง).

Again, it was the garlic, and lots of it, that made this plate of morning glory so wonderful.

boo pad pongali (crab in yellow egg curry ปูผัดผงกะหรี่)

The boo pad pongali (crab in yellow egg curry ปูผัดผงกะหรี่), was equally as beautiful as the fish, but due to a schedule packed with a few more restaurants and an awesome dessert stall, we opted out of stuffing ourselves until immobility at the first restaurant.

They will be relocating soon, just down the road a few steps

The Bottom Line

Khao Tom 3/1 serves an outstanding repertoire of dishes that are pre-prepared and also a few dishes that can be cooked as ordered. Located on the side of street in busy Yaowarat with construction going on and speedy Vespas cruising past, it’s not the best atmosphere, but the food is top notch.

If you eat here, keep in mind you’ll need to sit on the side of the street or sidewalk.

Khao Tom 3/1 (ข้าวต้ม 3/1)

Hours: 24 hours daily!
Prices: The meal we ordered came to 160 THB, a very reasonable price for a whole fish (small sized), plus 1 vegetable, 2 rice, 1 pepsi and 1 water
Phone: 086-688-9023, 088-670-2112

ข้าวต้ม 3/1
เปิด 24 ชม.
โทร. 086-688-9023, 088-670-2112

How to Get There

The restaurant is located in Yaowarat on the corner of Charoen Krung and Soi Plaeng Nam.

Note: Khao Tom 3/1 will be moving to a new location, just down street from where they are now – but not sure exactly when they’ll make the move.

View Bangkok Eating Thai Food Map in a larger map