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.

 

SHANGRI-LA KUALA LUMPUR SHOWCASES MALAYSIAN HERITAGE CUISINE

Certified as Malaysia’s first five-star Malaysian Heritage Cuisine Hotel by Jabatan Warisan Negara (Department of National Heritage), Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur will showcase its specially curated Malaysian Heritage Cuisine Menu at The Lobby Lounge starting now until the end of 2026.

The Seribu Satu Rasa, Satu Warisan launch was officiated by YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Also present at the event were YBhg. Encik Mohamad Muda bin Bahadin, Director General of Jabatan Warisan Negara; Mr. Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Tourism Malaysia; and Mr. Sharin Mokhtar, Deputy Director General (Planning), Tourism Malaysia.

Six Shangri-La KL chefs went through formal training on the preparation of authentic Malaysian heritage dishes with Dato’ Chef Ismail Ahmad, Head of Heritage Cuisine at Jabatan Warisan Negara.

The Malaysian Heritage Cuisine initiative is part of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s 40th Anniversary celebration and a heartfelt tribute to Malaysia’s rich, diverse, and dynamic food legacy as the Hotel gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026.

“Our aim is to enable hotel guests and foreign visitors to enjoy a genuine taste of Malaysia’s soul through Malaysian Heritage Cuisine, weaving together stories of heritage, migration, and celebration” said Daniel Kaeflein, General Manager of Shangri-La KL.

 

Available at The Lobby Lounge, the Malaysian Breakfast (7am -11am) tempts food-loving guests with Nasi Lemak Bungkus (banana leaf wrapped packets of steamed coconut milk rice with sambal, fried anchovies, sliced cucumber, hard-boiled egg and roasted peanuts), Roti Canai (flaky Indian flatbread eaten with lentil curry), Nyonya Curry Laksa (noodles in spicy curry gravy) and Kaya Toast (toasted bread slices with coconut and egg jam) with Soft Boiled Eggs. The Breakfast Culture in Malaysia has been certified as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

More typical Malaysian fare such as Nasi Dagang, Rendang Tok, Roti Jala with Chicken Curry, Laksa Utara (northern style thick rice noodles in tangy fish and tamarind broth and topped with shredded cucumber, pineapple, onion, fresh mint and torch ginger flower), Chicken Rice (poached chicken with fragrant oil flavoured rice and sliced cucumber), Nasi Goreng Kampung (fried rice) and Sup Tulang (lightly spiced beef broth) beckons in the All Day Dining menu (11am – 930pm).

Local snacks and dessert: Colek Buah-Buahan (Malaysian fruit salad tossed with spicy sweet sauce of belacan (prawn paste), sugar, chilli paste and tamarind juice; Cucur Udang (deep-fried chive and prawn fritters accompanied by sweetish chilli dip), Goreng Pisang (fried banana fritters), Cucur Nyiur (coconut fritter balls with palm sugar syrup) and Pulut Serawa Durian (glutinous rice with creamy sweet durian broth) are also included.

To complete the experience, traditional beverages such as Teh Tarik, Kopi Susu, Kopi O, Kopi C, Teh Susu, Teh O, Teh C, Cham, MILO Ais, Teh Halia, and Malaysian Syrup will be served.

 

For dining reservations and inquiries, please contact Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03 2786 2378 or email: enquiries at dining.kl@shangri-la.com