SETTING

Most wouldn’t classify Rama V as the most accessible of restaurants, as it’s far from public transport or shopping malls, but the journey here is worth braving traffic for. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by its oasis of calm – a standalone, Thai-architecture restaurant within a neighbourhood of imposing embassies. Spacious and intimate, the interior is flooded with a warm dim light, with glass windows opening to views of a quaint garden and a pond, making you forget you’re in the hustle and bustle of the city. Tables are spread out to offer maximum privacy. The restaurant accommodates both dinner dates and large groups alike, making it a draw for regulars and epicureans seeking refined Thai cuisine.

FOOD

Whet the appetite with chor ladda, a range of flower-shaped dumplings with its unique pea flower-blue skin encasing cold stuffing of hearty sweet radish and peanuts. Papaya salad is next, consisting of finely shredded young papaya, carrots, green beans and tomatoes, dressed in a spicy, fish oil vinaigrette, and studded with peanuts for extra crunch. Giving depth and contrast to the dish is a side of perfectly cooked salted egg.

The Thais have a way with cooking eggplant, and guests would do well to sample Rama V’s version – stir-fried and infused with the robust flavour of basil leaves. Young eggplants, coated in an infusion of fragrant garlic, chillies and soy sauce, are cooked to a juicy tenderness and make for a perfect accompaniment to fluffy jasmine rice.

A must-try recommendation is the roasted duck red curry with lychee. The piping hot, creamy thick curry over chunky morsels of meat is immensely satisfying with its herb-induced undertones and fruity sweetness from the lychee; a second serving of rice would likely be called for.

Rama V’s signature steamed seabass in manow sauce is served whole and deboned. It is minimally seasoned except for a bubbling gravy of lime juice, chilli and ginger imparting a mouth-watering effect to the dish.

Of course, no Thai food sampling is complete without tom yam. Rama V’s photo-worthy version has a large river prawn in young coconut soup and the flavourful medley of lemongrass, lime juice, chilli and prawn broth emanates a nicely tempered amount of heat.

Carnivores are not left out, as they would surely be satiated with the Thai BBQ Australian beef with green curry sauce, cooked to an ideal medium-well ratio of beautifully charred exterior and a tender, juicy core. The meaty goodness is a versatile trimming to rice as much as lovely on its own, with a generous dash of runny green curry.

Traditional Thai desserts such as water chestnut rubies with jackfruit in coconut milk, pumpkin custard and mango sticky rice are all great choices for a sweet ending to the meal.

DRINKS

The drinks menu offers a solid and balanced range of wines, Thai-themed cocktails, Thai and non-Thai beers and spirits. We reckon their tropical-steeped cocktails like the lemongrass basil mojito and mango daiquiri would nicely round out the meal. Happy hours here see wine by the glass and beers at a thirst-quenching low price of just RM10.

SERVICE

The floor crew started off shaky, but picked up later on as the dishes were fired up and our queries were voiced. We appreciated the attentiveness at supplying extra chairs for our bags, but they weren’t as knowledgeable as expected with regards to our questions about the dishes. Our glasses were kept filled promptly, but our plates were not replaced as promptly as we would have liked. However, they served with cheer and keenness.

PRICE

Considering an order of eight dishes and individual platters of desserts, the total price of RM432 is value for money. Not forgetting the quality and consistency of each dish, which will surely keep diners’ tummies satisfied and their wallets not too light. We highly recommend ordering plates to share, and the service crew will be more than happy to curate your dinner selection to cover all their star dishes. It’s a perfect escape in the city for long date nights or even parties, and you’ll appreciate the privacy of this gem of a restaurant.