Mai Thai - Spicy Goodness and Best Tom Yum Soup

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Seems like there are some changes made to the dishes after my first time, disastrous dining experience there where I had fallen sick due to the incredible level of hotness in the food. Things had gotten much better since they had added non spicy options in the set menu, and if I am not wrong, the level of spiciness can be adjusted, unlike last time.

Ambience wise, the place has a very exotic vibe with strong Thai influences. The service is okay.

As for the food, lots of ingredients and spices are added to create dishes with strong aroma and very simulating tastes, alternating between sourness, saltiness and spiciness. The curries are bursting with flavours, so do the tom yam soup, but lots of milk tea needed to quench the flaming sensations resulted. The grilled chicken itself is being imbued with a light charred flavour and essence of a few spices. When paired with the sauce, things kick into high gear. Yes, more milk tea needed in this case. The prawn paste balls have a very crispy exterior and an interior packed with fresh, delicious prawn paste. No hint of the smell of used oil, so thumbs-up to this. The milk tea is very sweet due to lots of evaporated milk added, but I appreciate strong taste of milk and that it helps to put out the fire on the tastebuds.

The Tom Yum Soup here is the best among all the Tom Yum soups I have tried. No doubt about it. Lots of ingredients like lemongrass, prawns, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spring onions and spices are added to create this little bowl of tangy goodness. Absolutely simulating on the taste buds and appetite-whetting, this clear soup has the right balance of spicy and tangy flavours, completed with the strong aroma of the spices and seafood. No other Tom Yum soup packs as much flavours as Mai Thai's Tom Yum Soup. And to add a cherry on top of the cake, patrons can request for the less spicy version of the soup, which is what I always do.

The Mango Sticky Rice is another must-try. The starchy, sticky, smooth glutinous rice has crystal-like appearance, and when served warm with coconut drizzled on it, it is a delightful treat. When paired with the slightly cold, sweet mango slices, the contrast produces fireworks on the palates. This makes a satisfying dessert with its multitude of flavours and aromas.

Go for the set lunch, which is very value for money. Ala carte dishes are quite expensive, considering the small potions. But the dishes do cater to most palates, so this place is a great venue for gatherings.

I can't say that I'm blown away by the food here since the dishes are quite humble type that create an impression through overwhelming, bling bling kind of taste with no subtlety. But it is a place I like to go to once in a while to enjoy Thai food since my taste buds appreciate the shock therapy every now and then. In addition, I do love their generous use of spices in their dishes which is unlike many other places. By the way, among the Thai establishments I had visited, this is the only Thai restaurant that I write about, goes to show that this is the only one that gives me enough motivation to do it.

My Thoughts: Lots of Kick!

Note: This restaurant does not look like it is still in operation. And nobody in Greenwich V's management office answers my phone calls to confirm this.

Update: Yes, this place is no longer in operation, and the Holland V branch is no longer in operation also.