Basil Thai Kitchen at Paragon has undergone a renovation. Now looking lushy green akin to dining in the nature. With the green, it contrast again the surrounding restaurant which has woody theme interior. It is the second outlet after Kallang Wave.
For those who are unfamiliar with Basil Kitchen, could probably know Thai Express. They both belong to the Minor Food Group of restaurants which include Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe, Poulet, Kiseki Japanese Buffet Town, Penang Street, Riverside Grilled Fish and Yentafo Kruengsonge.
Basil Thai Kitchen curated a series Thai dishes that are rather unfamiliar to most Singaporean. Led by Iron Chef Thailand, Chumpol Jangprai in the creation of this new menu, featuring dishes from various provinces of Thailand.
Appetisers
Looking at the Poa Pia Boran ($9.90), one may easily be fooled by its appearance, thinking that it is the usual spring roll. Based on a traditional recipe, using minced chicken, finely cut black fungus and uncommon ingredients such as bamboo shoot and glass noodles. Accompanied with a sweet chilli sauce by the side.
Laab Gai ($8.90) a north-eastern specialty which most of us find that it is over of spice tolerance. Stir-fried minced chicken meat with chilli paid, fresh lime juice, herbs and puffed rice for some crunch. There are some cabbage, cucumber and long beans to provide some relieve from the burning tongue caused by the fiery chilli padi.
The last appetiser is a southern Thailand salad dish, Tao Khua ($9.90). Tossed the 2 homemade sauce together with the vermicilli, tofu and vegetables. This is certainly an healthier option.
Main Course
Crowd favourite was the Fresh Prawn Omelette ($8.90). Crispy Egg White with fresh prawn crunch and holy basil fragrance. With dips of special chilli sauce, it enhances the taste.
Keang Kua Poo ($16.90), a second southern dish we tried is a yellow curry with crab meat. Dip the rice vermicelli into the yellow curry. The taste reminded us of a local dish, satay mee hoon.
Lastly is the Basil Thai Kitchen Signature dish, Massaman Chicken Curry with Crispy Roti ($13.90) which is a Persian-inspired dish by the consort of King Rama II during the 18th century. Grounding 13 ingredients into a spice paste, cooked and rest overnight for the flavour to improve. Lastly cooked the curry with a whole chicken thigh. The sweet curry is well complemented with the Roti.
Drinks
The usual repertoire of Thai classic drinks are available with the top favourites such as Lemongrass drink ($3.90), Thai Ice Tea ($3.90), Iced Lemon Tea ($3.90), Roselle Drink ($3.90) and Thai Green Tea ($3.90).
For something less common, though gaining ground is the Honey Butterfly Pea with Lime ($3.90), Watermelon Lim Freeze ($4.90) and Virgin Basil Mojito ($3.90). Other drinks include Tiger Beer ($9.50) and Singha Beer ($9.50).
Desserts
Celebrating the opening of the re-furbished Basil Thai Kitchen at Paragon, an opening special was introduced, Khanom Tuay ($3.90 for 4s). We felt it is ashame that this isn’t permanently on the menu. The entire dessert equivalent to a kaya pudding.
Among the 4 desserts on the menu, we tried 2. Thai Chendol Cold ($6.90) and Red Ruby with Coconut Cream ($5.90). Both are coconut based desserts.
The red colours of the red ruby comes from the natural ingredient rooibos root. Hence it is giving off a natural floral scent too which is very much an acquired taste.
The other 2 desserts offered by Basil Thai Kitchen are the homemade Lod Chong ($5.90) with jelly made from rice flour and pandan juice. These Lod Chong are found in the Thai Chendol Cold. Lastly the Mango Sticky Rice ($6.90) which require any description.
NAHMJ Verdict
To experience some unusually seen Thai Food at an affordable price, turn to Basil Thai Kitchen.
Basil Thai Kitchen
290 Orchard Road #B1-45/46 The Paragon Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6836 8417
Website: http://basil.com.sg/
Opening Hours
Daily 1100 to 2200
Getting There
By MRT:
- North-South line – Orchard or Somerset station
By Bus:
- Opp Ngee Ann City along Orchard Boulevard 14, 14e, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 190, 700, 700A
- National Youth Council along Grange Road 7, 14, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 123, 174, 174e, 175, 971E
- Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road 7, 14, 14e, 16, 65, 106, 111, 123, 175, 502, 502A
- Opp Mandarin Orchard along Orchard Road 36, 77, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 171, 174, 174e, 190, 518, 700, 700A, 971E
Rating: 7/10
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