A Taste of Home in Bangkok: My Heartwarming Interview with Jyak & Lym'

The moment I heard about a Malaysian restaurant in Bangkok serving authentic Peranakan cuisine, my heart raced with excitement. As a Malaysian living in Thailand, the thought of tasting familiar flavors from home was irresistible—and Jyak & Lym did not disappoint.  

Tucked away in the charming Soi Suan Phlu, this cozy shophouse feels like a little slice of Penang, complete with vibrant flavors and warm hospitality. Stepping inside was like coming home—the aromas of spices, the comforting dishes, and the unmistakable essence of Malaysian cooking instantly transported me back to family kitchens and bustling hawker stalls. 

The restaurant in situated in Soi Suan Phlu, busy Sathorn. Jyak means Eat and Lym means drink in Penang Hokkien.

Occupying 5 floors, the interior is really a sight to behold with unique design on each floor

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jonno, the passionate owner behind Jyak & Lym. A former banker with roots in Georgetown, Jonno has lived in Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne before bringing his family’s cherished recipes to Bangkok’s competitive food scene. His journey—from finance to food—is as inspiring as his dishes are delicious. 

A Penangites at heart

Jonno decked out a lot of his signature dish including Laksa, Assam Prawn and Hokkien Char

from Banker to restaurateur

During my chat with Jonno he spoke about how he created a home Away from home. How Jyak & Lym recreates the soulful flavors of Penang in the heart of Bangkok.  

His journey from Banker to restaurateur – Jonno’s bold career switch and why preserving Malaysian food culture matters to him.  

His restaurant is based on the concept of family recipes but with a global appeal. His stories involves behind his must-try dishes, each carrying generations of love and tradition.  

I loveHow Jyak & Lym bridges cultures through food and that is the reason why his customer keeps coming back.

As someone who’s been away from Malaysia for a while, this experience was more than just a meal—it was a heartfelt reunion with the tastes of my childhood. Every bite reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking, and my conversation with Jonno was one of the most genuine and touching interviews I’ve ever done.  

I left Jyak & Lym not just with a full stomach, but with a renewed appreciation for Malaysians like Jonno who keep our culinary heritage alive—even thousands of miles from home.  

If you’re in Bangkok and craving a true taste of Malaysia, Jyak & Lym is a must-visit. Watch the full video here