Arriving
at Tasty Thai in Bukit Rimau around 11:50 AM with two lunch companions, we
found ourselves among just three or four other early diners. Despite the quiet
start, the staff were fully prepared to serve us. The moment I stepped inside,
it felt like walking into a space that blended the warmth of a traditional Thai
family home with the refined atmosphere of a high-end Thai food stall. The
ambiance was serene and calming, instantly putting me at ease.
The menu arrived promptly, offering an
array of dishes. After scanning the ample choices, we placed our order: the
Tasty Thai Platter (small – RM24.90), Tom Yum Nam Sai Thale (Clear Tom Yum Soup
with Seafood – RM29.80), Setaw Phad (Stir-Fried Petai with Chicken in Chili
Paste – RM26.80), and Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Ice
Cream – RM16.80).
Our wait wasn’t long before the dishes
began to arrive, with a request that the Mango Sticky Rice should be served
only after we had finished the savory courses. The three dishes arrived in
quick succession, and we eagerly began our meal.
The Clear Tom Yum Soup was the first to
awaken my palate. It was a vibrant blend of sizeable, fresh prawns, a variety
of seafood, and vegetables like oyster mushrooms and tomatoes, all infused with
the scent of Thai basil leaves in a delicate clear broth. What
caught my attention were the dried chilies atop the soup.
This unique touch added a depth of flavor I hadn't encountered before and one I’ll consider when making Tom Yum at home. (TOM YAM TEMPTATION: A TASTE OF THAILAND).
Next came the Tasty Thai Platter, which
was nothing short of a highlight. The platter offered an assortment of Som Tum,
prawn cakes, and pandan chicken, each component reflecting the subtle and bold
flavors that make Thai cuisine irresistible. The dish was thoughtfully
presented, with the pork skewers served separately upon request to accommodate
my pork-free companions.
The pork skewers themselves were the favorite for me
personally - well-seasoned, tender, and easy to eat right off the skewer,
served atop a tiny bed of sliced cabbage. Each bite was a delightful balance of
Thai seasoning and tender meat.
The Stir-Fried Petai with Chicken in Chili
Paste was enjoyable, though I found myself longing for a bit more boldness in
the flavor. Perhaps it’s my affinity for the intense, fiery notes that often
characterize such stir-fries, but this dish felt somewhat muted by comparison.
That said, the chicken was perfectly cooked, tender, and paired well with the
petai/stink beans, offering a nice contrast in textures.
Once we had finished the savory dishes, I called
for the Mango Sticky Rice to be served. As a long-time fan of this classic Thai
dessert (KHAO NIEW MAMUANG: CLASSIC THAI STICKY RICE). I was eager to try it, and it did not disappoint. The sticky rice was
not the standard steamed style with visible grains; instead, it was presented
as a flat sticky rice cake, with the grains nearly hidden. It was paired with
peanuts and crispy fried split mung beans, which added a lovely crunch.
The
rich coconut ice cream was creamy and luscious, providing the perfect contrast
to the fresh, sweet mango slices and the thick coconut milk drizzled over the
top. Together, these elements created an outstanding dessert, one that captivated my senses.
Zen Dining Insights
Everything about the dining experience was
effortless and simple. Ordering was a breeze, with the staff calmly and
patiently answering our questions about the dishes. There were enough staff
available, not only to serve but also to bring the bill directly to our table.
It wasn’t about flashy, high-tech gimmicks trying to stay relevant in the
modern age, but rather about offering a dining experience that felt reminiscent
of traditional, timeless hospitality. The human touch truly made a difference.
As for the food, it was akin to enjoying a
meal served by family members in a Thai home. Each dish showcased the
quintessential and much-loved flavors of Thai cuisine, with an authenticity.
I’m already looking forward to returning,
especially to pack the mango sticky rice to enjoy at home. I can picture myself
now—legs propped up on the coffee table, slowly savoring each bite in front of
the TV, a smile on my face, fully appreciating the pleasure of such a
delightful Thai dessert.
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