Slug: thaithan
For Bangsar Weekly
By Clarence Koh

The land of glorious history, mythical legends and rich cultures. Thailand is easily identified from its architectural distinction and not the least from its exquisite cuisines. There are in fact much more awaiting to be explored other than infamous specialities like the Tom Yam Goong.

You might just want to try the total Thai experience at Thanying. The restaurant with the name that is synonymous with royal tradition and distinctive taste, is a place of elegant setting, fine authentic Thai cuisines and royal serving.

"We are an executive Thai restaurant, serving unique Thai flavours. We assure our customers personal and best quality service, not the least royal Thai cuisines at its best," said Monica, the restaurant manager.

The menu is extensive, ranging from restaurant specials, assortment of appetisers, fried dishes, soups (spicy or non-spicy), curry dishes, seafood specials, variety of Thai style fried rice, noodles, an array of special thai chilli sauce dishes (Thai style ulam) and also desserts.

Among the restaurant specials, the Hor Mok Maprao Onn is a Thai dish similar to local delicacy, the otak-otak. It is a dish of sliced fish or mixed seafood steamed with selected ingredients and assortment of vegetables in a coconut, priced at RM15.

The Twad Man Pla Gray is the best selling appetiser. It is a famous Thai dish with resemblance to fish cake. The minced 'Pla Gray' fish kneaded with chilli paste is deep fried and served with cucumber and sweet sauce. It costs only RM12.

According to Monica, the Yam Woonsen is the Japanese customers' favourite because it is very much like their Udon. It is typical Thai glass noodles mixed with seafood, chicken and vegetables with lemon sauce and hot pepper. Also, the must-have appetiser would be the famous green mango salad mixed with dried shrimp, onion and chilli. Both sold at only RM12.

Off the menu, the deep fried fish topped with garlic and small chilli is worth a try. The price range from RM25 to RM40, depending on the fish used and serving size. Normally, garoupa, siakap, pomfrat or bawal is used.

Understanding the Thais' dining habit might be helpful when you place an order. Thais like to have a variety of dishes, shared by all who are dining together. The number of dishes ordered usually equals the number of persons eating, plus one. For instance, for a table of five, six dishes would be appropriate.

Thais use a variety blend of aromatic herbs and fragrant spices in their cooking. It is widely perceived as hot and spicy. But ideal traditional Thai meal actually aims at being a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and the sour.

"We have many dishes that are indeed not spicy at all. The clear soups for instance, are specially concocted from either traditional herbs or chicken. Even for spicy dishes, customers may request to have them cooked not so spicy," she explained.

Therefore, one could actually choose from either no chillies, mildly hot, medium hot, seriously hot or super hot when he places an order at Thanying. However, for a real taste of authentic Thai style, it is recommended to take it super hot, of course.

If you find that the pepper and salt are missing from the table, do not even bother to request from the waitresses. A matter of fact, salt and pepper are seldom found on Thai table. The flavourful nampla sauce with floating chillies is instead used as a dip. Again, if you would prefer more subtle taste, ask for the nampla sauce without chillies.

Ambience is not the restaurant's selling point, the food is. However, the sense of elegance exudes from the combination of rattan chairs, plank flooring and greens. Through the glass panels at the front section, diners have a full view of the traffic outside. 

Besides being a great place for authentic Thai food, Thanying is also suitable for official meetings. The restaurant has two private rooms available for business meetings or even private gatherings. However, advanced booking is recommended.

Thanying, located at Lot S115, 2nd floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, is open daily from 11am till 3pm and 6pm until 11pm. For queries or reservations, call 03-254 3911.


Pix Captions:
1. Thanying...place for authentic Thai cuisines and executive gatherings.
2. Personal assistance and service by Monica and staff for a better dining pleasure.