One Meal Around Thailand @ Baan Ying Singapore

Baan Ying was founded in Bangkok, Thailand about twenty years ago, when "Auntie Ying" also known as Khun Oranuj Thareererg opened her first restaurant in the Siam Square district with only eight tables. This family business delivers genuine Thai cuisine with a wide variety of dishes from across Thailand and has since expanded to ten outlets across prime locations in Bangkok.

The restaurant's traditional menu is a collection of Aunty Ying and her son, John's (who is the Director and Founder) favourite dishes that has been passed down from family recipes. This is their first venture out of Thailand!

With the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and a proud recipient of the Royal Thai Government's 'Thai Select Premium' award, Baan Ying presents 'One Meal Around Thailand', offering an authentic Thai feast that features authentic flavours of the North, South, North-East and Central parts of Thailand!

We indulged in the Grand Tour Set ($298++ for 8pax) and this is what we got to taste on our journey across Thailand!

We started off with an Amuse Bouche - Larb gai, a classic Thai ground meat dish served on cucumber slices. Definitely a great way to start the meal!

The first appetiser we tasted was Nam Prik from each of the four regions. Starting from the left is Lhon Pla Kem (Salted Fish Dip) coming from central Thailand. Moving on to the Soup Makuer (Spicy Thai Eggplant Chilli Dip) from the North-east region which is packed with flavours and spices - our favourite savoury dip which is a great accompaniment to the seasonal vegetables on the side. On the top right is the Nam Prik Tah Daeng (Red Chilli Dip) from the North and last but not least the Nam Prik Goong Seab (Dried Shrimp Chilli Dip) from the South.

North-East Thailand is known for their assertive flavours. Local ingredients are often fermented and preserved in salt during the summer. This is a signature dish known as Som Tud Tad (Green Papaya Salad with Sides Dishes). Yes, this comes with noodles, pork and salted egg, which is not a common dish that you would order in a Thai restaurant. This was something different and delicious, top it up with a couple of birds eye chilies and this dish will have you craving for more!

After all that spice we were given a palate cleanser, a shot of Frozen Butterfly Pea Tea layered with coconut on the top. This was very refreshing and we certainly could have popped down a few more shooters!

Moving on to the main courses also known as Kub Kao in Thai. We started off with the Gaeng Hang Leh, a traditional pork belly curry from the north of Thailand. The flavour of this dish leans towards the sweeter side and the meat just melts in your mouth. It was aromatic and perfect for those who can't manage the spicy heat.

The South of Thailand is characterised by dishes that are bodly-flavoured, proudly embracing Thai, Indian, Malay and Javanese cultures. Gai Tom Kamin (Chicken in Turmeric Broth) reminds me of a hearty soup that I used to have growing up. This certainly brought back childhood memories and a definite winner for me.

The Sator Pad Goong (Stir-fried Bitter Bean with Shrimp) also comes from the South. I must admit, I'm not really a fan of the bitter bean also known as petai in Malay. But this dish was prepared very well with a distinct balance of flavours and a subtle hint of the bitter beans tossed in with the mince, chillies with prawns. This was truly addictive and goes perfectly well with steamed rice.

Next, we tried the Khai Pum (Grilled Omelette) from the North, a unique spin on a Thai staple. This is a mixture of egg, spring onion and carrots in a bowl made out of banana leaves that is grilled over charcoal resulting in a custard like consistency. Delicious especially eaten piping hot right out of the grill.

The Gaeng Som Pae Sah (Fried Sea Bass in a Tamarind Soup) is one of the highlights that features a whole filleted fish mixed with vegetables with a pungent flavour of tamarind and herbs. As this dish comes from Central Thailand, the contrasting flavours of sweet, spicy, sour and salty was prominent in this dish.

Moving on to last main dish, we had the Geang Tae Po Pla Kem (Salted Fish in Morning Glory in Coconut Milk soup) a staple dish also from Central Thailand. This was not as spicy as it looks and the salted fish went very well with the coconut milk soup.

To end the night we had a Creme Brûlée Cha Thai (Thai Milk Tea Creme Brûlée). This was absolutely delicious and if you are a fan of Thai Milk Tea, you will definitely enjoy this dessert!

We also got to taste some herbal teas brought all the way from Thailand, which was a great way to end the meal and cleanse your palate after a meal fit for a king!

There are also other set menus available for smaller groups - Superior Set @ $58.80++ for 2 pax and a Deluxe Set @ $128.80 ++ for 4pax. All diners who order the "One Meal Around Thailand" will stand a chance to win a three-day, two-night trip to Bangkok that includes flight, accommodation, a meal in Baan Ying Bangkok, as well as a pair of tickets to a Thai boxing show! More details can be found at www.baanying.sg.

Overall this communal dining experience really took us on a trip around Thailand! This is only available until 30th September 2019 and a minimum one day advance reservation is required during lunch and dinner.

Where else can you find specific traditional dishes from different regions of Thailand in Singapore? There is more to Thai food than your typical red and green curries. Something worth exploring for all the foodies out there and a great place to bring your families or co-workers.

Baan Ying

103 Irrawaddy Road,

Royal Square @ Novena #02-07

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday

Lunch: 11:30am - 3pm (last order at 2:15pm)

Dinner: 5:30pm - 10pm (last order at 9:15pm)

Saturday - Sunday

11am - 10pm (last order at 9:15pm)

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