Kuala Lumpur is a food city; there is no doubt about this. The city’s diverse food culture blends flavours across Asia and other continents. Among its many, many culinary offerings, Thai cuisine is a favourite in this city, and how can it not be with its bold flavours, aromatic spices, and comforting dishes?
Fancy some Thai omelette? We know a place. Craving for a fiery tom yum soup? We know one of the best spots. For more on the city’s finer side of Thai food that’s truly authentic, give our guide a go.
1. NAPA Authentic Thai Cuisine, Sri Hartamas
Treat yourself to modern renditions of Thai classics by giving NAPA a try, and we’re confident it won’t disappoint. This is one of the better Thai restaurants within the Klang Valley, prepared by skilled chefs. Each dish served highlights the medley of spices used, the textures of Thai food we’ve all come to know and love, and the aromas that make Thai cuisine so comforting.
Notable dishes to try: Tom Yum Talay Naam Khon – a classic tom yum dish with a choice of seafood or chicken; Pad Cha Poo – jumbo crab meat wok-fried in spicy sauce; See Krong Nua Yang Jim Jeaw – slow-cooked beef short rib doused in spicy tamarind sauce.
Address: 27, 29, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6017 655 6170
2. Gai by Darren Chin, TTDI
For something on the finer side and hyper-focused on Lanna-style cuisine, make a reservation at Gai by Darren Chin. As a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide, one can expect its northern Thai menu to be nothing short of spectacular, and it’s evident that family spirit is the driving force behind the restaurant’s success. The interior is super chic too, mainly thanks to the natural panelling and features made of refined wood and rattan.
Notable dishes to try: Lady Boss Nana Signature Tom Yum Seafood, Thai Style Wagyu Steak, and Jay Fai’s Crab Omelette.
Address: 26A, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 7732 4406
3. Ekkamai, Damansara Heights
Ekkamai, tucked away in the unassuming Plaza Batai within Damansara Heights, is a cult favourite. Cosy, rarely packed, and offering Thai dishes that are truly expectational and brimming with flavours, this is the place to go whether you’re celebrating something special or not. While the menu does have a modern twist, Ekkamai sticks to traditional spices, and there is no such thing as skimping here. We suggest dining here in a group to try a few items at one go without exerting your bellies.
Notable dishes to try: Green Curry with Bamboo Shoots, Prawn & Pineapple Curry, Khao Niaw Sangkaya.
Address: 8, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2011 1029
4. Nok Yung Thai Cuisine, Bamboo Hills
If you want to feast on Thai cuisine whilst wrapped in a charming, tropical ambience, Nok Yung Thai Cuisine may be right up your alley. Located in Bamboo Hills, Nok Yung has gained quite a following, and their authentic homage to all the Thai staples has diners coming back for more. Service here makes it a five-star restaurant too, and when dining al fresco, be sure to peruse their beverage list.
Notable dishes to try: Steamed Red Snapper with Chili and Lime Sauce, Deep-Fried Thai-ger Prawn Cake, and Khai Jeow Gong, a Thai-style crispy Omelette with Prawns.
Address: P02-01, Taman Bukit Bambu (Bamboo Hills), Off, DUKE, Taman Bamboo, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6017 994 7686
5. Chim by Chef Noom, Imbi
Located on the second floor of TSLAW Tower, Chim by Chef Noom offers diners a modern and fine dining take on revered Thai Cuisine. Every single item from the menu has been painstakingly prepared to perfection, and the luxurious setting sure sets the mood. The flavours are nowhere near muted, as one would expect with fine dining restaurants, but instead packs a punch with every bite. While everything on both their Summer Menus is impressive, the Oyster with Green Chilli Granita from the ‘I Taste of Thai Cuisine Summer’ menu had us on our knees.
Notable dishes to try: Choose from ‘I Taste of Thai Cuisine Summer’ (RM538++) or ‘Wisdom of Summer’ (RM638++) menus.
Address: L2-03, TSLAW Tower, 39, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6013 375 5181
