UPDATE: This restaurant has ceased operations as of 2015. However, the review will remain on my blog as a form of reference for readers. Thank you.
It's no secret that I'm a "cili padi" since young. In case you didn't know, it basically means a small-sized person with a "spicy" or fierce personality. This Malaysian idiom is modelled after the tiny bird's eye chilli which is small in size, but packs a punch! And what better way to enjoy this ingredient than in hot and spicy Thai food?
Yes, I didn't know they have a few branches in JB too!
Absolute Thai has 14 branches spanning across the Klang Valley and Johor. The three branches in Johor are situated at KSL City Mall, Mall of Medini and Johor Premium Outlets. They offer authentic and reasonably priced Thai food, made with love and served in a chic and cosy environment.
I had a question that's been nagging on my mind for a while so I decided to ask Wei Wei that night: What is the difference between Absolute Thai and Thai Thai? Apparently, Absolute Thai's concept is more of fast-dining and ala carte meals which Thai Thai is more towards family style dining. However, the food served is more or less the same and all their chefs originate from Thailand! There is also an Absolute Thai Hotpot branch in Bangsar, can't wait to go back to try it! It's an even more appropriate place for gatherings.
Fun fact: Did you know, each Absolute Thai branch has a different interior design to give more variation?
However, the main theme is still centered around an old, rustic feel that gives off a very comfortable and at-home feel. Soft lighting, black chairs, wooden counters & brick walls really portrays a vintage and cosy atmosphere. What's more, they have portraits depicting the lives of people in Thailand to really preserve that culture.
Ample seating spaces in a spacious restaurant, and they even have a waiting area for when there is a long queue!
Tip: All the recommended dishes are on the white page!
Each branch has a recommended dish that is unique to them so make sure you check with the waiter for the dish! You can view Absolute Thai menu for each branch here.
Btw, they do offer 15% discount for room guests at KSL Hotel and for all CIMB card holders, you'll enjoy 15% off your total bill. How awesome is that? There are also promotion sets for you to enjoy in a big group, at a reasonable price.
Speaking of which, what is a meal without good friends to enjoy it with right? I extended the invitation to my fellow Ma Cherie JB Blogger Girls and we had sort of a mini-gathering that night! A pity Jennifer and Eryn had to miss it for Supermag's Movie Night! (FYI, both their articles are featured on the magazine, we couldn't be more proud of them!)
PS: Expect more selfies in the post cos we had too much fun that night XD #sorrynotsorry
Some images courtesy of A Walk With Aud.
Warning: You will drool and be hungry just looking at these photos! (cos I know I am)
Muay Thai Punch RM12
A mixture of orange, apple, pineapple and grenadine syrup was used to make this yummy fruit punch. I really enjoyed this drink as it's really refreshing especially after eating all the spicy food! It's slightly pricey, but I really enjoyed it.
Thai Iced Coffee RM9
Not a fan of coffee, but I did try one sip of this. It's surprisingly not bitter unlike most coffee! Very milky and sweet because of the condensed milk.
Thai Iced Tea RM9
I hardly order drinks at restaurants but I actually had 2 glasses of this because it's so tasty! Taste the authentic Thai taste with this sweet and aromatic tea, with a subtle smell of tea leaves. And isn't the colour just so pretty?
The Thai Iced Tea is made with this number one brand of tea mix imported from Thailand. Authentic, much?
Lemongrass Juice RM8
Not my favourite drink as I'm not a fan of lemongrass, plus it tasted artificially sweet.. I think it is boiled with pandan leaves though, cos there is a stronger pandan than serai smell.
Look at the feast prepared for us! :o
photo credits to A Walk With Aud
Time to dig in!
Thai Fish Cakes RM9.90/ 4 pieces
This is a very good starter as it's tender and juicy as you can taste the fish, herbs and spices blended together. Fret not, there's no fishy smell and be warned because it's really spicy, even to me! This dish reminds me of otak-otak. This dish is best served with sweet Thai chilli sauce and crunchy cucumber!
Thai Mango Salad with Crispy Catfish RM15.90
Another recommended dish on the menu. I was quite bewildered as to what's that big chunk, and was mind-blown to find that it's actually catfish! Wei Wei taught us the proper way to enjoy this dish is to crush up the catfish and eat it with the mango strips.
It's a very interesting dish as you have the burst of sweetness and sourness from the mango mixed with some sweet raisins, crunchy nuts and not forgetting the crispy salty cat fish, all in one mouthful! Only the freshest mangoes are used.
Seafood Tom Yam Soup served in Firepot for 4 person (Clear Base) RM42.90
The star of the night, how can you have Thai food without tom yam soup right? There is a choice of seafood and chicken for the soup, and comes in different servings. Look at the generous amount of ingredients in the soup! The clear base soup may look innocent, but don't be fooled! It's actually really spicy. The spicy kick is what I love about Thai food :D
Absolute Thai is famous for their tom yam soup served in a boiling firepot so that it is warm throughout the meal.
Seafood Tom Yam Soup served in Firepot for 4 person (Red Base) RM38.90
You know how the sides of your mouth starts secreting saliva and aches a little when you spot somethingred and spicy? This is exactly how I'm feeling now, looking at this photo XD
This is the red base version tom yam soup and again, don't be intimidated by it but because it has added coconut milk in it, it actually tastes sweeter and less spicy than the clear base one. I actually prefer this to the clear base soup. It's also slightly sour once the soup is cooled so make sure you take it while it's hot! For me, one of the best ways to enjoy tom yam soup is to eat it with plain white rice. I swear I could finish few bowls of rice if I only have tom yam soup to eat it with XD
Packed full of goodness such as fish meat, prawn, squid and mushrooms.
Hahahaha my bowl is actually empty.. It's Aud's first time trying out tom yam soup, so proud she gave her "virgin" try to us! XD
<3
Too many drinking tom yam photos? I think so too..
Moving on.
Green Curry Chicken RM16.90
A must-order dish whenever I visit Absolute Thai. Green curry isn't actually very spicy and I quite enjoy the chunks of tender, boneless chicken meat, cooked in sweet and creamy coconut milk. There is also a green curry beef version. Watch out for the hidden bits of brinjal and long beans in the dish. Highly recommended dish! It's even tastier when you eat the gravy with rice.
Sizzling Ming Prawns with Tamarind Sauce RM38.90
The tamarind sauce gives the dish a sweet and tangy flavour. Only the freshest prawns are used and isn't the prawn huge? If I'm not mistaken, this dish is normally served on a hot plate.
Stir-fried Beancurd with Hot Basil Leaves RM12.90
This is surprisingly spicy, but only mildly. The tofu is soft on the inside, and slightly crispy on the outside. The sweet, sour and spicy sauce is also cooked with ground peanuts for that extra crunch.
Pineapple Fried Rice with Prawns RM16.90
This was a favourite among the girls as the flavourful and slightly sweet rice is fried to perfection. The sweetness comes from the pineapple and raisin bits. To top it off, there is also cashew nuts, onion and gigantic prawn to go with the dish! For people who can't take spicy food, this dish is perfect for you!
photo credits to A Walk With Aud
Take a break for a group selfie! :D
Mango with Sticky Rice RM 11.90
This traditional Thai dessert is a must-try whenever I visit any Thai restaurant! The freshness and sweetness of the cold mango slices goes perfectly well with the sweet, sticky rice topped with coconut cream. We couldn't get enough of it!
Waterchestnut in Coconut Milk topped with Jackfruits RM7.90
If you haven't already noticed, coconut milk is a vital ingredient in Thai cooking. It can be used in the appetizers, mains to the dessert! This refreshing dessert is like the Thai version of ais kacang with its shaved ice and little chewy red rubies and sago in it.
A cold dessert is the perfect way to end the meal!
With PIC Wei Wei, thank you for your hospitality! :)
Thank you girls for your company that night. We had so much fun and laughter while enjoying yummy food. It's definitely one of the highlights of my break this time!
I may be biased when I say this but I truly recommend Absolute Thai for your dose of Thai food. The service, deco and of course the food is something to look forward to if you want the ultimate Thai food experience. You might think the food is a little too costly but given that only the best ingredients are used, it's worth it. Plus, it's actually not that expensive after you divide the cost among friends :p Um, just wanna say that when I say that the food is spicy, it means that it's normal spicy level for me so just be sure you drink enough water to combat the spiciness haha. I tried so many dishes that I've never tried before that night, so going back to recommend this to my friends the next time we dine at Absolute Thai!
BONUS: For another 5 days, Groupon is having an Absolute Thai promotion of up to 40% off! Now you can enjoy this yummy thai food at an even more affordable price! Get the link HERE.
What are you waiting for? Grab it before it's all sold out!
Cheers,
Carinn ♥
Don't forget to check out the other girls' reviews in both English and Mandarin in the links below:
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hiak hiak hiak... virgin try... =p
ReplyDeleteHehe hope you liked it! <3
DeleteI wish I were there too!!!
ReplyDeleteGo try it! :)
Deleteyummy! :P
ReplyDeletehttp://spelljourney.blogspot.com/
Uhuh! :)
Delete