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.

APRIL AND PARENTS’ DAY SPECIALS FROM THE MING ROOM

Nowadays a meal at The Ming Room come with some dramatic flair. Due to the ‘camera eats first’ maxim, restaurateurs and chefs have to work much harder, to ensure the dishes not only taste good but are fanfare worthy of TikTok and Instagram.

Highlighting a combination of April specialities and choice picks from Oriental Group’s Parents Day set menus, our lunch started on delightful note with Prawn Salad Honeydew Bowl with Wasabi Cream Prawns.

One of the curtain-raisers from the upcoming Parents’ Day menu (RM1,888++ per table of 10 persons), the dish arrived trailing wisps of dry ice for ethereal effect. 

The mayo-coated prawns with fresh honeydew dices teased the tastebuds with subtle sweetness whilst the wasabi nuance dialled up zingy notches, lending extra appeal to the appetiser.

Finicky parents will find the premium Stuffed Bird’s Nest Chicken Wing and Bamboo Pith in Superior Broth (RM78++ per person) right down their alley. 

The collagen-rich broth was succour for the soul, a splendid canvas to accompany the chicken wing stuffed with luxe clumps of bird’s nest. Sublime.

 
Also igniting interest with its dramatic ‘flaming’ presence was the Fiery Cherry Duck (RM118++). Infused with a myriad of Chinese spices, the crisp skin and juicy, tender duck was a joy to eat. No sauce necessary although we did sample it with plum sauce and mustard. Personally, I find the duck delectable enough sans dip.

While steamed fish remains a tried-and-tested option at most Chinese restaurants, the flavour bomb of Braised Live Garoupa with Chef’s Special Sauce (RM298++) had us hooked at first bite.

We happily lapped up every drop of that hearty, tasty sauce; its complexity richly nuanced with shimeji and black mushroom, fuchuk (beancurd sticks), kum jum (dried lily buds), Chinese cabbage, capsicums, and garlic pips.  

Meat lovers will find ample satisfaction from picking the bones clean off Oriental Group’s scrumptious Iberico Pork Ribs in Banana Leaf. Slightly smoky and savoury with hints of sweetness, the delish ribs is another stellar inclusion for the Parents’ Day (found in the RM1,888++ per table of 10 persons menu) celebration.

 

Steamed Rice with Pork Ribs, Hong Kong Chinese Liver Sausage and Preserved Vegetable (RM88++ medium, RM178++ large) unfailingly evoked Chinese New Year vibes again when we sampled the superb dish. We like how the punch of chilli heat in the rice tempered the dish’s fatty richness.

Musang King Ice Cream and Mango Tart and Dang Ying (lamp shape) Red Bean Pumpkin Balls with Banana wrapped up our lunch preview on a light yet palate-pleasing note. Both dessert creations are featured in the Parents’ Day menu.

Although the banana dices didn’t make an impression amidst the red bean filling, the crisp yet chewy pumpkin balls scored highly.

IMO, durian die-hard fans will be more than happy to devour the former as its discernible aroma may not appeal to all and sundry.

Spacious and contemporary with a seating capacity for 500 persons and several private dining rooms, The Ming Room is event-ready for small, intimate weddings and significant celebrations.

Cheery lighting, scores of bamboo accents set against rustic backdrops and plush underfoot carpet with floral motifs dominate the interior. Lines of terracotta horses draw attention inside private dining rooms. Whether it's a casual lunch or a big do, The Ming Room is ready to roll out the red carpet for discerning lovers of excellent Chinese cuisine.

 

For reservations, please contact The Ming Room, tel: 03- 2284 8822 or WhatsApp 012 811 8812. Address: Lot T109, T111, T111a, T112, T113 & T115, 3rd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur.