A selection of Thai street food (Photo: Unsplash)
Cover A selection of Thai street food (Photo: Unsplash)

Mark these places for when you get tom yum cravings

The thought of a plate of Pad Thai or pandan chicken is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Aromatic, flavourful and satisfying, Thai food is loved around the world. In fact, seven Thai dishes made it to CNN’s ‘World’s 50 Best Foods List’ in 2017, more than any other country, namely Tom Yam Goong (4th place), Pad Thai (5th), Som Tam (6th), Massaman Curry (10th), Green Curry (19th), Thai Fried Rice (24th), and Nam Tok Mu (36th). 

Here are seven places in the Klang Valley to enjoy authentic flavours from the Land of Smiles. 

See also: 7 Traditional Pandan Food In Southeast Asia

1. Pim's & The Rama

In pre-pandemic times, this cosy Aman Suria restaurant was a popular hangout because of its weekend live music. While live performances are off the cards for now, Pim’s & The Rama remains a huge draw for its Northern Thai food prepared by a team of professional Thai chefs. The place prides itself on fresh seafood sourced from Pulau Ketam in Klang.

Recommendations include Rama’s Beloved Donut Prawns, a popular starter comprising prawns and fish paste fried to golden brown perfection, and Super Seafood Tomyam Pot filled to the brim with tiger prawns, crayfish, scallops, Hokkaido squid, and onsen duck eggs. 

Pim’s & The Rama | No 22, Jalan PJU 1/43, Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | Non-halal | Call +603-7802 8386 for delivery 

2. Meat And Sea KL

Located in Desa Sri Hartmas, it is known for serving most of its dishes in the original pot or pan they are cooked in. This helps to keep the food piping hot and fresh when they arrive at your table. 

Home-style dishes influenced by the province of Kanchanaburi is the order of the day here, since head chef hails from there. Highlights include the Moo Ping (barbequed pork slices on skewers), the Khaeng Pret (red curry beef) and the Khao Ka Moo (braised pork rice served with hard-boiled eggs and salted vegetables).

Meat And Sea KL | 1, Jalan 19/70A, Plaza Prismaville, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur | Non-halal | Call +6012-800 4833 for delivery 

Read more: Offal-ly Good: Tatler Tries Mui Chea Pork Noodles With Tommy Ooi

3. Ekkamai

Ekkamai Bar & Thai Kitchen is a stylish eatery specialising in Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist. Popular choices include Duck and Lychee Curry, the Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce, and the Weeping Tiger with Egg Fried Rice, which is made with grilled Aussie ribeye. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Tom Yum Tacos of spicy tom yum-flavoured dried shrimps and pomelo salad.

Ekkamai | Lot 8-1 & 8-2, Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur | Pork-free | Call +6011-6116 3779 or +603-2095 2772 for delivery 

See more: 9 Places To Get Your Taco Fix In The Klang Valley

4. Krung Thep

Krung Thep operates an open restaurant concept, allowing guests to witness their cooking process. It distinguishes itself by using culinary influences from all four main regions in Thailand, for a truly well-rounded menu. A popular choice is Kai Ceiw Pu, a duck egg omelette filled with crab meat, and served with homemade Sriracha sauce. Equally good is the Guns Orb Woon Sen, a scrumptious glass noodle claypot dish.

Its website hosts a series of videos on how to prepare some of these dishes so you can try them at home.

Krung Thep | Lot G05, Republik Damansara Heights, 1 Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur | Pork free | Call +603-7622 8760 for delivery

5. Rama V

Generally regarded as the first Thai fine dining restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Rama V underwent a makeover in 2016 and now sports a modern, elegant interior. A feast for the senses, the menu is extensive (top choices include Mango Salad with Catfish and Squid with Salted Egg) but if you can't decide, go for the Ayuthaya Platter that allows you to sample an assortment of popular Thai snacks.

Rama V | 5, Jalan U Thant, Kelab Golf di Raja Selangor, Kuala Lumpur | Pork-free | Visit Tableapp for delivery

Read more: The Best Thai Restaurants In Hong Kong

6. Malai Thai Cuisine

Staffed by a team of Thai chefs, the tableware were hand-picked and imported directly from Thailand. Clearly, authenticity is important here, which is also reflected in the dishes ranging from the variety of tom yum and curries to the salads like the Mango Fish Salad.

Malai Thai Cuisine | Fraser Place, 10, Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur | Pork-free | Visit Beepit for delivery

7. KomPassion

No, its name is not a typo. Established in 2013 by Chiangrai-born Chef Nikom Uatthong (or Chef Kom), this restaurant has risen to become one of the most popular Thai eateries in Petaling Jaya. Chef Kom is known for combining modern French culinary techniques with time-honoured Thai cooking styles, resulting in a selection of truly unique fusion dishes.

The selections are truly eclectic. For instance, the Smellylicious Pork Belly is infused with Thai belacan and Sarawak cincalok while the Hang Lay lamb shank is seasoned with avocado. Suffice to say, expect the unexpected.

KomPassion | 5, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | Non-halal | Visit WeEat for delivery

See also: A Humble History Of The Hotpot, And Where To Eat It In Hong Kong

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