TANTALISING TEMPTATIONS OF TAAN THAI

The seasonal dish of Yellow Cockle Curry (RM32.90) alone is reason enough to make the trip to Taan Thai at Sunway Velocity. Freshly shucked, the cockles’ availability bears testament to the philosophy of Taan Thai — literally to “Eat Thai” i.e. cook thoughtfully, serve with intention, and waste nothing.

 
We are stoked to find the cockles barely cooked, just firm enough to hold their sweet mineral nuance, bathed in a gently spiced curry perfumed with cha om (acacia leaves).

Each component of the Signature Appetiser Platter (RM49.90) offers a measured glimpse into the culinary team's budding abilities. A well-composed introduction, it teases our palate with the charred smokiness of pandan-wrapped chicken, a custard-soft mackerel otak, deliciously crisp prawn fritters, scrumptious skewers of grilled pork, and a punchy savoury mackerel dip with cucumber.

 
The Mieng Kam (RM18.90) arrives neatly composed instead of leaving diners to assemble their own. Each betel leaf parcel unleashes a well-balanced profusion of sweet, savoury, and herbal notes. Calibrated with a dab of house-made caramelised shrimp paste, we relish the appetiser’s delicately flavourful depth.

Also on-point are the moreish Crispy Prawn Donuts (RM24.90). Bite into one and you'd find the exterior shatters lightly, giving way to a springy, well-seasoned prawn filling that induces repeat servings.

Soups are treated with much deserved patience. The bright and clean Clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup (RM49.90) delights with its finely tuned acidity, while the Coconut Chicken Soup with Galangal (RM27.90) exudes a softer, more rounded profile.

Touting a culinary team focused on the importance of balance stemming from the use of house-made pastes - ground fresh from herbs and spices - they form the backbone of winsome dishes like the rich and creamy Khao Soi with chicken (RM22.90) or beef (RM28.90) and the pleasant, lingering sharpness of Tangy Pork Belly & Morning Glory Curry (RM29.90). 

Familiar and rare specialities beckon too. Comforting mainstays include house-made Pure Mackerel Thai Fish Cakes (RM18.90) and Pomelo Salad with Signature Taan Thai Dressing (RM23.90) whilst fiery trail-blazers of Spicy Isaan Thai Beef Salad and Southern Thai Minced Chicken Dry Curry (RM20.90) should please chilli heat-seeking fiends.

Equally compelling is the seabass selection. Edging ahead is the Deep Fried Seabass in Spicy & Sour Curry (RM64.90), thanks to the addition of fluffy cha om omelette that soaks up the sauce nicely. Its counterpart, dressed in a vibrant Thai herb and fruit dressing, is lighter but no less engaging.

For those who appreciate greens with character, the Kai Cha-Om (RM19.90) leaves an indelible impression thanks to its unmistakable acacia aroma in omelette form, while the Stir-fried Melinjo with Egg (RM22.90) offers an agreeable bitter counterpoint.

 
Pork dishes are adroitly handled. The Spicy Isaan-style Grilled Pork Neck Salad (RM32.90) carries a gentle smokiness, the Pad Kra Pow Moo Sap (RM23.90) is punchy without being harsh, and the Braised Pork Knuckle (RM32.90) leans into comforting, familiar flavours.

 
Street food staple like Pad See Ew (RM21.90) is given due respect. The flat rice noodles flaunts whiffs of wok hei - that elusive breath of the wok lending heady flavoursome depth to the soy-slicked fried noodles.

Desserts are straightforward but well-judged. Tub Tim Krob (RM14.90) refreshes with its cool sweetness and textural contrast, while Mango Sticky Rice (RM16.90) closes the meal on a comforting note. In Kuala Lumpur’s heat, the invigorating Tom Yum Cooler (RM15.90) and Pandan Cooler with Basil Seeds (RM8.90) provide welcome relief.

Taan Thai is not about theatrics but about clarity of flavour, respect for ingredients, and cooking that's grounded in heart and experience rather than excess. And in today’s dining landscape, that makes Taan Thai worth returning to.

 
For more info and reservations at Taan Thai, call tel: 011-6547 1811. Address: Lot B-25, B1 Floor, Sunway Velocity Mall, Lingkaran SV, Kuala Lumpur.

NOBO MAKES SOY MILK TRENDY AGAIN

 

Food meets fashion in a launch to mark the arrival of NOBO soy milk in Malaysia, bringing with it a fresh take on one of Asia’s most familiar staples.

Created by the team behind OATSIDE, NOBO sets out to rethink soy milk for a new generation who cares as much about clean labels as it does about taste and texture.

Founder Benedict Lim shared the thinking behind the product: a meticulous search led them to non-GMO, high-protein soybeans sourced from Canada, chosen for both flavour and nutritional quality.

By packing more soybeans into each serving through their double extraction method, NOBO achieves a creamier consistency and higher protein content without relying on gums, emulsifiers, oils or protein powders. The result is a pared back formulation leaning into the soy’s natural richness.

Each pack delivers 4.2g of protein per 100ml — roughly double that of conventional packaged soy milk, and about 40% more than dairy milk— while keeping sugar levels below 5g per 100ml. A flash-cooling technique also helps dial down the often polarising “beany” aftertaste, giving the drink a cleaner, more approachable profile.

Soybeans have long been a cornerstone of Asian diets, prized for their complete amino acid profile, fibre and healthy fats. NOBO’s approach feels like a modern reset; retaining the nutritional integrity of soy while refining its flavour for contemporary palates.

NOBO stands out with a smooth, lightly roasted note and a natural soy creaminess compared to its shelf-stable counterparts. For those looking for a twist, the NOBO Almond Soy blends the same base with finely ground dark-roasted almonds, adding a subtle nuttiness without overpowering the drink.

True to its minimalist ethos, NOBO teamed up with Vietnam-based label CHAUTFIFTH to create a playful, soy bean-shaped handbag — a functional statement piece available in limited quantities online.

Closer to home, NOBO also partners with heritage name Fung Wong Biscuits and contemporary bakehouse Floccus Floccus to reimagine local pastries through a soy-forward lens. 

The limited-edition creations will be available until 12 April, offering a taste of how NOBO soy milk can elevate everyday flavours. Some of the outstanding creations include Gem Bites, Mochi, Thousand Layers and Soy Silk Curd.

NOBO soy milk will roll out across major retailers and e-commerce platforms nationwide, in both 180ml and 1L packs, heralding the start of a new chapter for plant-based drinks in the region.

For more information, visit https://noboworld.com/ or follow @nobomilk on IG.

 

SMART 'A-LAC' TIPS TO BOOST ENERGY AND IMMUNITY

Too much of a good thing can be bad. In Malaysia, the endless rounds of festivities inevitably will take a toll on us. Upon returning to our daily routine, the feeling of lingering tiredness, omnipresent bloating and being on edge prevails even though life is supposed to be celebratory.
 

RESTORE YOUR ENERGY

To support energy levels and help the body cope with fatigue, Cynthia Jetan, Consultant Nutritionist at LAC Malaysia suggests simple habits to help stabilise energy: consistent mealtimes, adequate protein intake, and slow-release carbohydrates like oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and legumes.
 
“Complement those practices with LAC Activated Zhi Energy; its Lingzhi and Cordyceps formulation helps to boost vitality and energy as well as coping with stress.
 
Cynthia added “Persistent energy dip occurs because the body’s energy pathways are under strain. LAC Activated Zhi Energy supports those pathways by restoring focus without overstimulation.”
 

DETOX YOUR LIVER

All those heavy festive meals, late nights, and alcohol intake undoubtedly will strain the liver, causing fat build-up hence affecting digestion and energy levels.

When the liver is under pressure, the body is slower to process nutrients, thus you’d feel lethargic and ‘heavy’. To counter that, try LAC Activated L.Pro, a TCM blend formulated to support liver health and function.

LAC Activated L.Pro helps to improve fatty liver conditions and support the liver function in processing nutrients and metabolic by-products more efficiently. This in turn generates better energy and overall wellness.

GOOD GUT FEELS

Gut health also deserves your attention. Remember to consume Probiotics daily to support digestive balance. LAC Probiotic Complex features different CFU strengths (up to 100 billion CFUs), in capsule, jelly and powder forms enabling individuals to choose the desired level of support.

Simple steps like drinking enough water, eating fibre-rich foods, and allowing ample time between richer meals instead of grazing continuously throughout the day are good habits to maintain.

LEVEL UP ON ANTIOXIDANTS

You can also build antioxidant habits through food by eating more colourful fruits and vegetables, in addition to everyday staples like turmeric, ginger, and tea.
 
“Supporting antioxidant defences helps the body cope during socially demanding periods,” Cynthia explained. “Level up your body’s natural defences during high-demand periods with LAC Masquelier’s^® French Pine Bark Extract.  Rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), the supplement is known to be up to 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C in antioxidant capacity.

“LAC Masquelier’s^® French Pine Bark Extract supports the body’s antioxidant defences against free radicals generated during prolonged stressful times which can contribute to cellular strain.”

While it’s tempting to detox, cleanse, or drastically restrict food after weeks of indulgence or disrupted routines, be mindful aggressive changes can stress bodily systems already under pressure. LAC Vegishield would be a practical and convenient way to boost your green intake as it is extracted from broccoli sprouts, kale, brussels sprouts and broccoli. Just mix a sachet into your favourite smoothie.

Cynthia said it’s better to rely on steady, gradual and realistic habits to help you recover. “Be resilient in supporting the body through seasonal changes. Wellness isn’t about hitting a reset button. It’s about staying steady through the rhythm you’re already living in.”