Best Thai Prawn Cake in Singapore
Crispy outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor Thai prawn cake is the kind of dish that wins you over in one bite. It’s light enough to share as a starter, yet satisfying enough to stand on its own. The only problem? Not every spot gets it right. That’s where we come in.
This article will simply reveal where to experience authentic Thai prawn cake, also known as "Tod Mun Goong". From casual eateries to Thai restaurants that take frying seriously. Here’s where to eat Thai prawn cake in Singapore without the guesswork.
Let's Hunt Down the Best Thai Prawn Cake Across Singapore - Easily
Key takeaways:
Thai prawn cake (Tod Mun Goong) is a crispy, juicy Thai snack made from minced shrimp paste, curry seasoning, and sweet chili dip.
Loved for its crunchy outside and tender inside, it works as a snack, appetizer, or main with rice.
Shrimp cake and prawn cake are the same dish in Thai, both called goong.
Bangkok Jam serves authentic Handmade Prawn Cakes at $14.90, fried golden and paired with house-made chili sauce.
The restaurant offers value, casual dining, and a wide range of Thai classics beyond prawn cakes.
What exactly is Thai Prawn Cake or Tod Mun Goong?
Tod Mun Goong (ทอดมันกุ้ง) are popular Thai shrimp cakes or fritters. The name itself gives you a clue about the dish: "tod" means "deep-fried" and "mun goong" means "shrimp paste" or "shrimp fat." These golden-brown patties are made from a paste of finely minced shrimp, often mixed with other ingredients to enhance texture and flavor.
Related:
What makes this Thai Prawn Cake Recipe Unique?
What makes Tod Mun Goong uniquely Thai is the combination of classic Thai flavors. The shrimp paste is typically seasoned with red curry paste, fish sauce, and sometimes kaffir lime leaves, giving it a savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy kick.
The cakes are then coated in breadcrumbs, often panko, and deep-fried to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and a juicy, bouncy, and tender interior. They are almost always served with a sweet chili sauce that often includes finely chopped cucumber and peanuts. Providing a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the rich, fried cakes
The Thai Food Category: Is It a Snack, Appetizer, or Main Dish?
In Thai cuisine, Tod Mun Goong is primarily categorized as an appetizer (Ahan Jak), snack (Ahan Wang), or street food. You'll commonly find it as a starter in Thai restaurants, much like spring rolls or satay. However, its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in other ways. Many people eat it on its own as a quick, satisfying snack, while others might serve it with a side of rice and vegetables to create a complete and delicious main course. The dish's rich, savory flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to a cold beer or a light salad.
Why It's a Popular Thai Food?
Tod Mun Goong is loved by many for a few simple reasons:
Great Taste: It has a delicious, balanced flavor that is savory, a little sweet, and not too spicy. This makes it a hit with everyone, even people who don’t usually eat spicy food.
Crispy Texture: The best part is the perfect contrast between the crunchy outside and the soft, bouncy shrimp on the inside. It's a very satisfying texture.
Easy to Find: You can get Tod Mun Goong from street food stalls and high-end restaurants all over Thailand. It's a convenient and tasty dish to eat on the go.
Thai Shrimp Cakes vs. Prawn Cakes: What's the Difference?
For the popular Thai dish Tod Mun Goong, there is no difference between a "Thai shrimp cake" and a "Thai prawn cake."
The Simple Explanation
Same Dish, Different Name: In Thailand and in many other countries, the terms "shrimp" and "prawn" are often used to talk about the same types of crustaceans. The Thai word for both is "goong" (กุ้ง). So, "Tod Mun Goong" can be translated as either "Thai shrimp cake" or "Thai prawn cake," and both names refer to the exact same dish.
It's All About the Flavor: The key thing that makes it an authentic "Thai" cake isn't the name, but the unique flavor. Authentic Tod Mun Goong is seasoned with red curry paste and fish sauce, which gives it its distinct savory and slightly spicy kick.
So, don't worry about the name. If you see it on a menu as a "shrimp cake" or a "prawn cake," you're ordering the same delicious deep-fried Thai dish.
Where to Find Affordable Prawn Cake in Singapore?
When you’re craving authentic Thai food in Singapore without overspending, Bangkok Jam is a solid choice. This urban Thai restaurant combines affordability with genuine flavors, giving diners a casual, friendly setting that feels like a trip to Thailand. The menu is packed with Thai classics, but one standout dish deserves special mention: the Handmade Prawn Cakes.
Also read:
Bangkok Jam’s Handmade Prawn Cakes and it's Ingredients ($14.90)
Thai Name: Tod Mun Kung (ทอดมันกุ้ง)
These prawn cakes aren’t just another side dish they’re an experience. Bangkok Jam has created a version that feels both authentic and approachable.
Fresh Prawn Meat and Shrimp Mixture
The cakes are made by blending minced prawn meat with a spiced shrimp mixture. Think of it as similar to Thai fish cakes, but with a lighter, more delicate taste. The chefs carefully divide the shrimp into a smooth base while keeping some texture for a satisfying bite.Donut-Shaped and Crunchy on the Outside
Shaped into small rings, each portion is fried in a frying pan with hot oil until perfectly golden. The outside turns brown and crunchy, while the inside stays moist and bouncy. The process might sound complex, but it’s actually quite easy to make if you were to try at home.Balanced Flavors with Homemade Dipping Sauce
Served with a house-made sweet chili dipping sauce, the flavor balances savory richness with a gentle tang and heat. The sweetness complements the fried prawn cakes while cutting through the oil for a refreshing finish.Light Layers of Texture
Each bite has a distinct layer of flavor the crisp outside. The juicy prawn filling, and the sweet-spicy sauce. It’s a combination that makes the dish addictive without being overwhelming.
Why Diners Love It
Portion size works well for sharing or as a starter
Feels authentic, like eating street snacks in Thailand
Affordable price point for a restaurant-quality dish
Comforting food that pairs well with noodles, rice, or even other shared plates
More Reasons to Try Bangkok Jam for Prawn Cakes
1. A Casual Yet Stylish Thai Spot in Singapore
Bangkok Jam isn’t your average Thai restaurant. With its modern décor, relaxed setting, and approachable menu. It’s the kind of place where you feel at ease whether you’re grabbing lunch with friends or planning a casual dinner date. The atmosphere makes it ideal for sharing small plates like our Handmade Prawn Cakes while still enjoying heartier mains.
2. Value for Money
At just $14.90 for a generous portion of Handmade Prawn Cakes, Bangkok Jam shows that you don’t need to overspend for authentic Thai food. The balance between quality ingredients, careful cooking, and affordability makes it one of the better-value Thai restaurants in town.
4. A Taste of Bangkok Without the Flight
From the seasoning of the shrimp mixture to the use of hot oil that crisps the cakes to a golden brown finish, Bangkok Jam pays attention to details that transport you to Thailand. Every plate feels rooted in traditional recipes but served in a way that’s approachable for the Singapore dining crowd.
5. Beyond Prawn Cakes: What Else to Order?
If you’re heading to Bangkok Jam for the prawn cakes, don’t stop there. The restaurant offers a wide range of Thai dishes that bring together flavor, tradition, and affordability. Some highlights include:
Thai Fish Cakes – A spiced and bouncy classic starter.
Thai Style Grilled Chicken Skewers ($13.90) – Gai Sa-Tay (ไก่สะเต๊ะ), boneless chicken leg marinated with Thai curry powder and herbs, served with homemade peanut sauce.
Thai Style Grilled Pork Skewers ($12.90) – Moo Ping (หมูปิ้ง), tender pork skewers paired with tamarind skewer sauce.
Handmade Crispy Springroll ($12.90) – Popia J (ปอเปี๊ยะเจ), served hot with homemade sweet chili sauce.
Pandan Chicken ($14.90) – Gai Hor Bai Toey (ไก่ห่อใบเตย), deep-fried chicken wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves.
Pomelo Salad ($14.90) – Yum Som-O Salmon Yang (ยำ ส้มโอปลาแซลมอลย่าง), tossed with grilled salmon and fresh Thai herbs.
Tom Yum Seafood Soup ($13.90) – Tom Yum Talay Num Kun (ต้มยำ ทะเลน้ำ ข้น), a hot and sour seafood soup with Thai herbs and mushrooms, available in clear or creamy versions.
Mango Sticky Rice ($9.90) – Kau-Neaw-Mamuang (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง), ripe mango slices with sticky rice and coconut milk.
Red Ruby ($9.90) – Thapthim Krop (ทับทิมกรอบ), crunchy water chestnut rubies served with coconut ice cream.
Classic Thai Milk Tea ($5.90) – Cha Nom Thai (ชานมไทย), brewed black tea topped with evaporated milk.
Thai Green Milk Tea ($5.90) – Cha Khieo Thai (ชาเขียวไทย), refreshing green Thai tea topped with evaporated milk.
Salted Caramel Thai Milk Tea ($6.90) – A sweet twist on Thai green tea topped with salted caramel and milk.
From starters to desserts and drinks, Bangkok Jam offers a complete Thai dining journey. Pairing any of these with Handmade Prawn Cakes gives you the full experience of Thailand in Singapore.
A Simple Take on the Delicious on Thai Prawn Cakes
Thai prawn cakes are a fantastic part of Thai food, loved for the crispy outside and tender, flavorful inside. Finding a great one is all about the balance of texture and taste, which comes from authentic Thai seasonings.
When you're looking for the best in Singapore, you don't have to guess. Places like Bangkok Jam prove that you can find authentic, delicious Thai food without spending a lot.
Our Final Recommendation
Ready to try the real thing? Stop looking and start eating. Visit Bangkok Jam today to try our famous Handmade Prawn Cakes. Experience a truly authentic taste of Thailand, right here in Singapore.
Address: Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade #02-127 Singapore 237994