Thai-licious Boat Noodles @ Liang Seah Street - A Vision To Bring Traditional Thai Food To Sunny Singapore

Thai-licious Boat Noodles at Liang Seah Street offers Kuay Teow Rua or more commonly known to us as Boat Noodles, alongside with other traditional Thai dishes. This award-winning boat noodle restaurant is a collaboration between a team of our locals and a Thai, and with the vision of delivering that taste of authenticity to us in mind, the kitchen is helmed entirely by Thai chefs, who handpicked ingredients that are flown in directly from Thailand.

Boat noodle has its origins dated from the 1940s when water transportation became vital in Bangkok. Bangkok's canals were bustling with vendors peddling along the river, dishing out bowls of boat noodle straight from their boats, which are loaded with boiling soups, noodles and other accompanying ingredients. Hence, it is easy to see why boat noodle is meant to be only 2 mouthful. At Thai-licious, you can get the same portion at $1.90 (Small) or simply eat your fill at $7.50 (Large).

Pork Boat Noodle 3.8/5

Beef Boat Noodle 3.8/5

Thai-Licious signature boat noodle is available either pork or beef. The stock is prepared daily from scratch, boiled and simmered with bones, herbs, spices and aromatics for at least two hours. Interestingly, I learnt that one of the ingredients used is pandan leaves. The broth is really aromatic and if you love herbal soup, that's almost exactly how it smells like. The pork boat noodle has a different stock base from the beef boat noodle but I like the latter no less. Do note that the noodle is exceptionally sweet. Sticking to the original recipe, do expect quite a dosage of sugar being mixed in. And that's when the vinegar at the side comes in. A few drops of it will balance that sweetness and opens up the flavour of the soup even more.

Papaya Salad 3.5/5

Thai Papaya Salad with Salted egg 3.5/5

I had many Thai papaya salads throughout my life till date but is only today that I learnt that there are more than just one type and they varied in taste quite distinctively. In the menu, there is Thai Papaya Salad, Thai Papaya Salad with Salted Egg and simply Papaya Salad. The latter, I was told, is preferred by the Thais themselves. Dressed with a special papaya sauce, this salad is a lot saltier than our more accustomed Thai papaya salad, said to be the sweet cousin. The salted egg version comes with salted egg slices as topping. Although it doesn't make much difference to the taste but the golden salted egg yolk itself is quite a delicious treat.

Tom Yam River Prawn Noodle 4/5

The mains are split between rice and noodle dishes. In the noodle menu, Tom Yam River Prawn Noodle ($10.50) is recommended if you wish to have both Tom Yum soup and noodle at the same time! The piquant Tom Yum soup has a balance of acidity, sweetness and that fiery kick, one that makes you salivate just by thinking about it. My noodle was done just right, which remained quite chewy even after soaking up the Tom Yum soup. My prawn was a tad overcooked but that aside, the Tom Yum soup is right up my alley.

Basil Rice with Minced Pork 3/5

Falling back to a more familiar taste will be the Basil Rice with Minced Pork ($8.90). It's decent but I would suggest trying out other less commonly offered Thai dishes such as Braised Pork or Duck Noodle.

A cosy space for traditional Thai food, a much needed respite from the stretch of Mala and Hotpot restaurants ahead of them and opposite them. I hope Thai-licious will grow and thrive at Liang Seah Street, if not this street is just going to get too predictable!

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Thai-Licious Boat Noodles
8 Liang Seah Street
#01-01
Singapore 189029
Tel: +65 69179857
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Liang Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mezza9 @ Grand Hyatt Singapore - 9 Different Dining And Wining Experiences Under One Roof

Many people has the misconception that Mezza9 at Grand Hyatt is a buffet restaurant but actually it is not. Probably due to its popular Sunday brunch and open show kitchen concept, I also thought that Mezza9 offers buffet throughout the week. Mezza9 is actually a restaurant with 9 different dining and wining experiences under one roof. You have the Grill, Sushi, Thai, Seafood, Steam Basket, Patisserie, The Shop, Party Room and Martini Bar all housed together, where you can order anything from any of the concepts. It is perfect for people who wants variety and not restricting one to just a particular cuisine.

Lychee Martini 4.5/5

We started with some pre-dinner and I ordered a light but refreshing Lychee Martini from the Martini Bar to start with.

Tom Yam Goong Nam Kon 4/5

Actually the menu is a bit overwhelming as they are some many things we want to try from the different cuisines. We decided to try as far as possible order an item from each section or concept. From the Thai Menu, we decided to have the Tom Yam Goong Nam Kon ($16), a Thai spicy and sour soup with tiger prawn. The kick from the spiciness definitely whets up our appetite.

Blue Swimmer Crab Cake 4.2/5

Seasonal Rock Oysters 4.5/5

From the Seafood Menu, we tried the Blue Swimmer Crab Cake ($7.50/pc) with remoulade sauce. It is packed with real crab meat encased in a crispy exterior. A delicious and delightful starter. We also ordered some Seasonal Rock Oyster ($6/pc). They were fresh and plump.

Premium Sashimi Moriawase on Ice 4/5

Japanese is one the my favourite cuisines and I can't resist getting some sashimi from the Sushi section. The Premium Sashimi Moriawase on Ice ($88) comes with fresh delivery such salmon, swordfish, yellowtail, ebi and scallop. While they are fresh and thickly cut, I was expecting a little bit more in terms of ingredients since it is labelled as premium, such as toro and uni.

French Charolais Beef Fillet 250g 4.5/5

Green Asparagus with Hollandaise, Dukkha 4.2/5

From seafood we moved on to some meat from the Grill menu. We decided to go for the French Charolais Beef Fillet 250g ($70) which is grass-fed and dry aged for 50 days. Grilled to a beautiful medium rare pink, the beef had a delectable full flavour with a nice char on the exterior. To go with the steak, we also ordered Green Asparagus with Hollandaise, Dukkha ($9) as our side.

Mezza9 Dessert Extravaganza $38

We really have a hard time deciding which dessert to order, so the easiest way is to have the Mezza9 Dessert Extravaganza ($38) which includes everything on the dessert menu. The dessert platter consists of the Mezza9 Flower Pot, Peach Compote, La Esmeralda Chocolate Pudding and Gluten Free Banana Flour Crepe. My favourite is the chocolate pudding and gluten free banana flour crepe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mezza9
Grand Hyatt
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67321234
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun Brunch: 12pm - 3pm
Sun: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

A-Roy Thai Restaurant @ Velocity - Yummy Authentic Thai Food Which Used To Be At Funan

We were deciding where to have dinner at Novena Square when we came across A-Roy Thai Restaurant at Velocity which we thought it was rather familiar. It was not after we decided to dine at the restaurant when the memory starts to settle in. We remembered that we have dined at the restaurant when it was at Funan. We didn't know it has moved to Novena. It was quite an accidental discovery.

Upon settling down, we are served a plate of Keropok with green chilli dipping sauce. This is really addictive with the appetising dipping sauce. Initially I thought this will cost me around three dollars, like those peanuts serve at Chinese restaurant. I was quite surprise to see that I was only charge a dollar for this. I thought it is quite reasonable.

Tom Yum Talay 4.2/5

The Tom Yum Seafood Clear Soup ($15.90) comes with generous portion of seafood such as prawn, squid and fish. The clear soup may look rather ordinary but its rather potent with its fiery spicy kick. I am glad that it did not tone down the spiciness level.

Pad Pak Bung 4/5

For the greens, we decided to go for the Stir Fried Morning Glory with Chilli ($10.90). I always find that Thais know how to cook their vegetables, especially with the used of fish sauce that brings out the sweetness of vegetable. Not sure whether its there wok skill but it always seems to retain a good crunch too.

Kaeng Phet Pet Yang 3.8/5

For the protein, we had the Thai Green Curry with Beef ($15.90). Diners have the choice of pork or chicken too. The beef is a bit tough but what we enjoyed is the sweet green curry gravy. We were drenching our steamed rice with it.

Overall, I enjoyed my meal at A-Roy Thai Restaurant. What I like most is that the restaurant did not tone down the spiciness and the flavours we really close to what I ate in Thailand. While the food is on the authentic side, the price is on the steep side. I would suspect it is due to the higher rent in shopping mall. By the way, plain water is chargeable here.


A-Roy Thai Restaurant
Velocity, Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-61/63
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 63383880/ 63521446
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Un Yang Kor Dai @ South Bridge Road - Singapore’s First-ever Community Restaurant

Driven by the mission to give back to the local community, Un Yang Kor Dai was opened so that individuals from all backgrounds could showcase their love for food. To keep the spirit of Un Yang Kor Dai, which means “anything goes”, this Singapore venture at South Bridge Road is made possible by a group of friends who have various expertise and backgrounds. Back in Khao Yai, Thailand, Un Yang Kor Dai is the biggest community restaurant where both the young and old come together to share their culinary passion.

Thai Papaya Salad 3/5

On top of serving Thai cuisine, this 70-seater restaurant also serves Isaan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine which is what makes it unique. First, tuck into the refreshing Thai Papaya Salad, a popular Thai starter and also an appetiser that has it roots in Isaan. Also called Som Tam, expect crunchy leaves, cubed papaya, succulent prawns, and a kick of spice.

Crispy Spicy Minced Pork Sticks 3.5/5

A really interesting dish was the Crispy Spicy Minced Pork Sticks, which reminded me of spring rolls. It was so crisp with every bite. Served with a homemade sweet and sour sauce, this is a delightful snack to share amongst your friends or family.

Tom Yum Fresh Prawns 4/5

You would definitely expect this super popular dish to be served in a Thai restaurant. The Tom Yum Fresh Prawns (with coconut milk) is freshly prepared every day, and was so creamy and spicy. There was so much ingredients in it like fresh prawns, oyster mushrooms, lemongrass, tomatoes, etc. You could tell how much effort went into making this soup in one mouthful.

PenLaos Signature Grilled Chicken 4.5/5

The PenLaos Signature Grilled Chicken is made using a time-honoured recipe from Thailand. The meat of the spring chicken is marinated with a mix of fresh coriander and white peppercorn for 3 days, and served with a homemade spicy sauce. Even though this dish reminded me of our chinese zichar cuisine, it stood out with its flavours.

Grilled Pork Neck 3.5/5

Another dish you would expect from Thai restaurants is the Grilled Pork Neck. Marinated with a homemade marinate, the meat has a good amount of fat on it which made it so tasty. For a better experience, dip it with the Isaan spicy dipping sauce made with tamarind sauce, cilantro and chilli powder.

Deep-fried Whole Sea Bass 3.5/5

I loved how the Deep-fried Whole Sea Bass with Premium Fish Sauce & Mango Salad was filleted and fried, making it easier to eat. I recommend to have the fish with a scoop of mango salad as it was pretty bland on its own, but prepare for a kick of spice from the mango salad.

Stir-Fried Lobster with Salted Egg Sauce 4.5/5

Customising to Singaporeans taste buds, the Stir-Fried Lobster with Salted Egg Sauce used live lobster, making the meat so juicy and fresh. Drenched in a spicy and fragrant salted egg sauce, Singaporeans will love this dish.

Instead of plain white rice, Khao Niew Dum is used to accompany all these dishes. It is a common staple in Isaan culture which is glutinous brown rice, also known as sticky rice, and is served in a katip. Katip is a Thai basket, made with bamboo and palm, that is handcrafted by the children in Thailand and brought over to the outlet here.

Mango Sticky Rice 4.2/5

Of course, end of your meal with the Mango Sticky Rice and Thai Milk Tea Pudding here. I love mango sticky rice and the one served here definitely did not let me down. On the other hand, the pudding was so unique as it really held up to its name with the taste of fragrant thai milk tea in every bite.

Thai Milk Tea Pudding 4/5

Photos and words by Vanessa Chia. A girl who has a passion for taking photos. Determined to always get better at what I am doing. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Un Yang Kor Dai
57 South Bridge Road
#01-02
Singapore 058688
Tel: +65 67878575
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to the end of Hong Kong Street towards South Bridge Road. Cross the road at South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood @ West Coast Plaza - Lacklustre Thai Food Which I Would Give A Miss

The restaurants at West Coast Plaza has been changing so often that I kind of lost tracked who was the previous occupant that the current Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood occupies. If I am not wrong, this is their second outlet after the their flagship restaurant at Ang Mo Kio. Since its new in the neighbourhood, I decided to drop by for dinner.

Thai Stir Fried Kang Kong 3.5/5

The Thai Stir Fried Kang Kong ($6.90) was pretty well executed with the right note of spiciness, lifted by the fragrant dried shrimp in the sambal. The greens also retains a delectable crunchy texture.

Tom Yum Seafood Soup 2.8/5

For the price of the Tom Yum Seafood Soup ($8,90). the portion is pretty generous with a variety of seafoods. The size of the prawns are quite big too. Where that is the up side, the soup is lacklustre. It lacked depth and the characteristic flavours of an authentic tom yum soup.

Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce 2.8/5

The Steamed Seabass with Lemon Sauce ($19.90) is a favourite dish that I always order when I dine at Thai restaurant. While the seabass was fresh and sweet, I was let down by the lemon sauce. I can only taste the lemon flavour. It is missing the spiciness and sweetness in it that makes me fall in love with this dish.

Sad to say I am not impressed with the food at Thonglor Thai Cuisine. With competition in the vicinity such as Nakhon Kitchen and Na Na Original Thai Food, I would rather give Thonglor a miss. If the jinx at West Coast Plaza continues, I suspect I would see another new tenant soon.


Thonglor Thai Cuisine & Seafood
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 62522552
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Took Lae Dee @ Tai Seng - Enjoy Thai Classic Dishes Starting From $3.80

Took Lae Dee, Bangkok’s most famous 24/7 restaurant chain, has found its way to Singapore, making Tai Seng its first ever branch outside Thailand after 45 years. Took Le Dee means “cheap and good” in Thai. In Bangok, their menu is extensive with not just Thai dishes but also Chinese and Western dishes such as American breakfast, steak & fries. With just a few dollars, you get filled up with good quality food even in the wee hours. That actually sounds like Hans during my secondary school days!

Pad Krapow with Egg 2.8/5

As Took Lae Dee Singapore is still trying to settle down, the menu is restricted to offering Thai staples only. What may first caught your eyes is the signature Pad Krapow (Minced Chicken/Pork with Chilli & Basil Leaves & Rice) which cost only $3.80! But just when you may think its really cheap and good, you will realise that you need to fork out another $1.20 to put that quintessential sunny-side up onto your plate. Cost aside, what's notable is that the original holy basil is being used in this dish, which is a lot stronger than the regular basil. But somehow, I couldn't detect much of the distinct peppery basil taste in this dish, unless I deliberately chewed on the leaves. I also expect quite a bit on my $1.20 egg, which turned out to to like those from cookhouse, with deep fried edges tainted with black flecks. I thought even Thai stalls at hawker centres serve more beautiful suuny-side up these days.

Yum Woon Sen 3.5/5

Som Tum 3.5/5

Both of my favourites Yum Woon Sen ($6 ) and Som Tum ($6) didn't disappoint. The Thai spicy vermicelli salad was full of crunch and a lot of heat with lots of chopped onions, chilli, celery and black fungus. Unlike some versions which the fish sauce tends to overwhelm the entire dish, these 2 salads remained bright and refreshing, though somewhat on the spicy side.

Pad Thai 3/5

Like any outlets in Bangkok where you will find them tuck inside Foodland supermarket, it comes with both table seating and counter seating, where you get to see the chefs in action, even fire blazing at times. That's when you know your dishes will be exuding that extra element of wok hei. The Pad Thai ($5/6.20) comes with a choice chicken or prawn, though on the sweeter side, was redeemed by that extra flavour.

Pad Pak Boong 3.5/5

The Pad Pak Boong or Thai Morning Glory ($5) has that wok hei flavour as well, and quite crunchy.  Some of you may prefer this to the sambal chilli style.

Kang Keaw Wan 2.8/5

The Kang Keaw Wan, Thai Green Curry with Chicken/Pork/Beef ($7/$8) surprised me with its lightness as all the recipes are said to be the original. I was expecting it to be a lot more robust and rich. This spicy dish of a creamy consistency calls for freshly made green curry paste, basil leaves, chillies, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk and fish sauce.

Tom Yum Soup 2.8/5

The Tom Yum Soup ($6/$8)) was actually not too bad but the seafood seemed to be from remnants.

Took Lae Dee Iced Milk Tea 3.5/5

I don't usually order Thai Milk Tea because the sweetness is just too much but the Took Lae Dee Iced Milk Tea ($2.80) was really well balanced with the acidity and sweetness. Best part is that I got to add in the milk myself! After all the spicy and strong flavours fighting in my mouth, this is a much needed remedy to cleanse the palate.

If you are lucky, there may be seasonal Mango Sticky Rice available on your visit.

Took Lae Dee here is not 24hours unlike Bangkok, which is a pity as I really feel that much of the spirit of this brand is lost - the vibrancy, the extensive menu of comfort food, affordable pricing. Perhaps dining at the counter seats will allow you to have a better feel of it, it will elevate the taste of the food for sure.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Took Lae Dee
18 Tai Seng Street
#01-34/35/K9
Singapore 539775
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit C. Go to ground level. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]