Whenever friends ask me for weekend dining recommendation, Marina Bay Link Mall will usually be the first to appear in my thought bubble. Not only because it is a far less crowded mall on weekends (largely due to its seeming inaccessibility), visitors are in for a culinary adventure with mouth-watering treats offered by over 20 restaurants and cafés. Next time if you are feeling the squeeze dining out in Cityhall or Orchard areas, a quick solution might just be some 5 minutes away.
A recent green curry craving led me to Absolute Thai, a modern restaurant which serves modest Thai fare.
Stir Fried Beancurd with Hot Basil Leaves ($9), munchy beancurd cubes spiced up by a hearty serving of chilli, garlic and basil leaves.
Stir Fried Kailan with Salted Fish ($9). My favourite cze char was given a very alluring salted fish smell. Friend and I ended up fighting for this dish down till the very last bit of 'giam her'.
After a long wait came the highlight of the meal, Green Curry Chicken ($12), also known as Gang Keow Wan. The green curry here did serve up my expectations - with a potent blend of coconut milk, curry paste, herbs and other spices root to Thai cuisine, this savoury and vibrant dish sure packed a punch. Needless to say, the chicken was superb tender too. One plate of rice is never enough to sop up every intricate drop of the flavourful gravy.
Talking about curry, according to a recent survey, Thailand's Massaman Curry was crowned the best among world's 50 most delicious foods, (our chilli crab and chicken rice are on the list too). Could anyone recommend a place where I can get a taste of this legendary dish locally?
Dessert menu was limited.
Mango Sticky Rice ($6.90), juicy mango on a bed of sweet and salty tasting glutinous rice. One would just hope the mango be more repined.
Service however wasn't quite up to the mark, IMHO, given the restaurant's location and classy décor. We had a waiter twice tried to clear my bowl of apparently unfinished curry, while others oblivious to refill water despite several requests. So keep an open mind.
10% off final bill for any Standard Chartered card.
Absoulte Thai
8A Marina Boulevard,
#B2-16/17 Marina Bay Link Mall
Daily, 11.30am – 9.30pm
6634 2371