I had a craving for some fine Thai food for a while, so when I found out about Sarai, I made a mental note to visit this place soon. After a visit here, it relives my feelings on why I like Thai food so much. The simulating flavours, the unique taste of herbs and condiments, the clean, refreshing taste and a sense of familiarity. It's simply different from Nakhon Kitchen, the chain of Thai restaurants that almost everyone knows. The food at Sarai is way more refined, more authentic, has more variety and yes ... less oily.
Steamed squid stuffed with roe sac with chili lime garlic sauce is oh-so-good! This is the exactly reason why I want to come here to dine. Fresh, super tender and briny sweet squid soaked in the light, broth-like, clean-tasting sauce filled that is packed full of simulating flavours with tanginess as top notes, this is so exciting to savour. And I guess the reason for limited availability on this dish is the use of super fresh squid since only this will work in the light sauce. A must-try of this restaurant.
From the right:
Assorted banana blossom cake with spicy dip. This is pure comfort food with lovely crispy exterior and a twist in taste. Very flavourful.
Tomato chili dip with endives, thai cucumber, jicama. Very refreshing in taste, but also pretty spicy.
Homemade grilled pork marinated with thai herbs. I love this. Full of fresh meaty juices, peppered with pungent Thai herbs and charred aroma.
Smoked Barramundi Soup and Sweet Leaf Bush is nice and interesting. I like the myriad of flavours in the clear soup. It's a nice new experience to try a different kind of soup such as this one. Though I have to admit that I'm more of looking forward to Tom Yum Soup instead, which has sourness as base notes. This soup has bitterness as base notes instead. By the way, see the beautiful red rubies in the soup? These are chilies with super spiciness. Only bite into them if one is up for the challenge. Otherwise, just let them soak in the soup for a nice hint of spiciness in the soup.
Spicy and sour minced chicken salad on cucumber cup is unique, flavourful and refreshing in taste. Great for whetting the appetite.
Stir-fried dou miao flowers with assorted mushrooms is that familiar stirred fried vegetables that we Singaporeans love, and with a twist in the form of dou miao flowers. Consisting of stems and bulbs, this vegetable has a nice slight crunch in texture and easy to bite. I like the feel of biting into the bulbs because it feels wholesome. In addition, the dou miao flowers will form a sticky film upon biting into it, which is interesting.
The rich, aromatic red curry with splashes of coconut milk is so good. Since I don't eat beef, I request to change it to chicken breast. Props to the staff for this. However, to do justice to this bowl of delicious curry, I do suggest sticking to the original wagyu option. If one really can't eat beef, opt for chicken thigh.
Dessert is the lovely pandan panna cotta with coconut foam and sesame wafer. The coconut foam has this pure, concentrated nutty goodness of coconut like no others. And it is a perfect match with the sweet smelling pandan panna cotta. The texture of the panna cotta is smooth and fluffy. I love this dessert a lot.
Refreshing lemongrass drink that is great for bringing down the spiciness. The service staff is very thoughtful in adding minimum sugar to the drink and giving a cute jar of sugar syrup upon seeing that I'm undecided on the amount of sugar I want in my drink.
The restaurant is posh and modern, with Thai influences and hints of opulence from the golden ornaments tastefully placed at some corners. I like the fresh orchids placed on the tables to introduce bursts of nuanced colours and vibrancy to the place while maintaining the classy yet cozy vibe.
The service is very good, being friendly and accommodating. Actually, I was tired and feeling under the weather when first arriving here after a long day (this is why I always prefer to dine out at lunch time instead), but after a meal here, I feel so much better!
This place is one of my top choices to go for Thai food.
Thoughts: Always up for some simulating and refreshing Thai food.
163 Tanglin Road
#03-122 Tanglin Mall
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard or Orchard
