39-47 Soi Texas, Th Phadung Dao Yaowarat, Bangkok, Thailand
Sharks Fin (Red Soup)
I spent my New Year up north in Bangkok, Thailand, over a span of a week. A favourite destination among Singaporeans for their shopping, sights, and of course their vices, Bangkok serves as a breakaway holiday destination for the busy Singaporean.
I headed to Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, to give my palate a taste of Chinese cuisine in this beautiful Thai city. My friend recommended Nam Sing Restaurant, a traditional Chinese restaurant with a hint of Thai inspiration.
Our array of dishes was highlighted by a number of signature selections. Our Singaporean tastebuds were very much used to the traditional Sambal Kangkong; therefore we decided to grant their Thai Style Kang Kong an audition to our royal palates. Leafy green streaks of Kang Kong, complemented by fermented bean sauce, garlic, and probably a couple of magic condiments; it left our tongues wagging for more. Tangy, yet not too overwhelming, the Thai Style Kang Kong gave us a different perspective on the good ol’ kang kong dish.
The Hong Kong style Sea Bass served was fresh and steamed to perfection. I do have to give special credit to their amazing homemade Thai green chilli sauce. It complemented the fish perfectly—a delectable blend of sour and spice, paired with the soft white fish meat; a match made in heaven.
The dish we were looking forward to, the Sharks Fin (Red Soup) turned out to be an unfortunate disappointment. Perhaps our palates were not accustomed to such a unique flavour, perhaps we were just plain stupid, but whatever the case, we failed to enjoy the dish that we are so familiar with in Singapore. The broth was not only too sweet, but it lacked the consistent and thick viscosity that we have grown to love in our local Sharks Fin soups. However, costing us a mere THB600 (SGD25) per large bowl that was shared among us, we could not have asked for a better deal.
Overall, it was a satisfying and filling meal. At only about THB1500 (SGD60 approx) for 4 hungry adults, it is a steal by any Singaporean standard. Do give Nam Sing Restaurant a shot at your next visit to Bangkok.
Edited by jeremyism, 10 January 2012 - 12:19 AM.
