Rarely
do you come across a restaurant serving both Nyonya and Thai food so this is
the unique factor which makes Bibiwok different. The contemporary space is
outfitted with just the right amount of ornate cultural elements, evoking the
feel of a Peranakan home without too much kitsch or antiquity.
Our ravenous dining party was happy to nibble on the
generous Nyonya Thai Combination Entrée (RM40) while waiting for the mains to arrive. Laden
with Thai Serai Sticks (flavourful minced chicken on lemongrass skewers),
Pie Tee (DIY crispy ‘top hats’ with fillings of shredded yambean and
omelette), bite-size Vegetable Fritters and a serving of
shredded cucumber salad topped with robust chilli sauce), the quartet has
enough textural and flavour interest to keep us satisfied and looking forward
to the chosen repertoire.
A savoury-spicy-tangy dressing and crunchy dried
fish (similar to anchovies but bigger in size) lent the local starfruit salad -
Kerabu Belimbing
(RM12) – a stimulating lift to whet the appetite further.
Although our visit wasn’t a strictly Thai meal, we
can’t bear to omit the Signature Tom Yam Soup with Seafood (RM24 – small,
RM41 – large). It was an invigorating choice as the fiery-sour-briny broth
brimming with seafood and fresh herbs packed an assertive punch and
sweat-inducing heat that ‘singed’ the palate lightly.
Forget about eschewing carbs when you dine at
Bibiwok. Most of the homespun dishes call for copious amount of rice. The
fluffy Otak Omelette (RM13) and zingy Sambal Brinjal Special
(RM12 – small, RM18 – large) were raveworthy enough to induce repeat helpings.
Redolent
with complex spicy accents and a touch of citrusy nuance (from threads of fresh
kaffir lime leaves), Bibiwok’s sublime speciality of Nyonya Chicken Rendang
(RM18) should endear itself to spice fiends who like their curries slightly dry
and voluptuously bursting with big, bold flavours.
Less indulgent but equally piquant on the palate was
Thai Assam Curry Steamed Fish (RM40 onwards). Immersed in tangy-spicy
gravy laden with okra, long
beans, eggplant and beancurd puffs, the seabass’s flaky meat was deliciously sweet.
The coarsely sambal blend for the Nyonya Chili
Garam Prawns
(RM26 – small, RM46 - large) boasted earthier, lusher flavours which went like
a dream with the springy crustaceans.
Like
two mismatched leads in a movie, the Thai
Green Curry Duck (RM26) failed to make any impression no thanks to the
dry chunks of roast duck in it. While the aromatic curry passed muster, it was
a dish which tasted out of sync.
If you like something sweet to round off your meal,
possible dessert options include Thai Ruby Jack Fruit (RM5.90), Chendol
Gula Melaka (RM4.90), Steamed Banana with Gula Melaka (RM7) and Sago
Gula Melaka (RM4.90). Again, they weren’t something you’d write home about.
For reservations, call RESTORAN BIBIWOK, tel: 03-8068-6284. Address: 16 Jalan Persiaran Puteri 1, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Puchong, Selangor.
