Friday, September 13, 2013

Rochor Thai @ Joo Chiat

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Rochor Thai is the new kid on the block at Joo Chiat Road. In fact, it has taken over the former Yummy Claypot unit injecting some hot spicy competition to the Joo Chiat area which already housed many restaurants and eateries. Rochor Thai is not new to the food scene. It was formerly located at Rochor Centre before shifting to the current premise.

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We started off with the Pandan infused Lemongrass drink. A light and refreshing drink that is just perfect for the hot afternoon.

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Amuse Bouche 4/5

I am actually quite taken back that we were served Amuse Bouche. I was not expecting it from a casual Thai restaurant. Anyway, the Amuse Bouche nicely showcases the 4 different tastes that can be enjoyed at Rochor Thai.

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Som Tum 4/5

The central Thailand style green papaya salad, Som Tum ($6.80) was bursting with different tastes coming together making a beautiful dish. Be warned that the refreshing salad packed a fiery punch to it. Lending a nice crunchy texture to the dish is the shredded unripe papaya.

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Pla Nin Pao 4.2/5

The Pla Nin Pao ($22.80) reminded me of the salted crusted whole tilapia which I had along the street of Thailand, served with a spicy garlic chilli sauce at the side. Instead of being grilled on charcoal like the street stalls in Thailand, it's oven baked at Rochor Thai. The tilapia was moist and perfectly cooked without that muddy taste.

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Po Taek 4.2/5

The Po Taek ($8.80) which is a clear hot sour soup with holy basil and kaffir lime leaves. The well balanced hot and sour broth was an delightful enjoyment together with the fresh seafood.

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Tom Yum Talay 4/5

The Tom Yum Talay ($8.80) with its fiery appearance was not as hot and spicy as it looked. It still tasted delicious but I still prefer the clear soup base to this for the stronger spicy kick.

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Kor Moo 4.2/5

As you can see from the photo, the grilled pork collar was cooked beautifully with the meat still having a shade of pink. The Kor Moo ($12.80) was tender and succulent.

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Gaeng Kaew Wan Gai 3.5/5

Green curry in Thai cuisine is actually not spicy but more on the sweet side. The Gaeng Kawe Wan Gai ($11.80), chef's special green curry with chicken thigh and Thai eggplant welcomes a bowl of rice for me to drench it with the green gravy to savour it.

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Gaeng Chu Chee Neua 3/5

The slow braised beef in Thai Chu Chee Curry, Gaeng Chu Chee Neua ($18.80) was a bit disappointing for me. While the flavours were there, the beef was tad tough. The shin cut needs a bit more time for the tissues to break down more.

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Pad Kee Mao Goong 4/5

The Pad Kee Mao Goong ($16.80/$24.80) translated as stir fried Thai drunken style was fresh and succulent. There was nothing alcohol about the dish but got the name from the fact that it is a dish originated in the wee hours of the morning after a merrymaking night at the nightclub.

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Pla Krapong Daeng 4/5

The Pla Krapong Daeng ($16.80/$24.80), deep fried red snapper fillets in raad prig was pretty good. I could not help going back for a few more pieces of it.

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Khai Niew Ma Muang 4.2/5

The Manago Sticky Rice, Khai Niew Ma Muang ($7.80) is a staple Thai dessert that is must order in every Thai restaurant. The version at Rochor Thai has the mango diced into cubes for easy consumption and sharing. Love the topping of mung beans on the glutinous rice giving it an extra crunchy bite to it.

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Manted Chuame 3/5

The Manted Chuame had me salivating and looking forward to dig in to it. Unfortunately the candied cassava was not as soft as I would like it to be.

I have known of Thai restaurants adjusting the authentic recipes to suit the local palate. While this make commercial sense, it lost that authentic flavours. At Rochor Thai, it tasted like the kitchen has not ready tweaked the recipe, striving to bring the authenticity flavours to the plate. While this is appreciated in my meal, I noted the pricing on the menu is a bit higher compare to other Thai restaurants.


[CLOSED]
Rochor Thai
340 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427592
Tel: +65 64403270
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RochorThai
Website: http://www.rochorthai.sg/
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 945pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

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