Just a stone’s throw from the rhythmic hum of a train station lies a quiet sanctuary that defies its urban surroundings.
Tucked away off Jalan Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, Thai Garden Village Seafood & BBQ has spent the last eight years serving up a fusion of Chinese and Thai flavours set within a tranquil garden ambience complete with water feature and live fish.
The sour and spicy Mango Salad is a good choice to start the meal, awakening the taste buds for what’s to come.
As its name suggests, the restaurant is known for its seafood dishes.
For mains, one cannot go wrong with the Signature King Prawn Glass Noodles.
The king prawn carries a firm and pleasantly chewy texture, and pairs well with the springy glass noodles.
Restaurant owner Lily Chan said the dish has been modified to suit Malaysian palates.
“The flavour is sweeter in Thailand,” she said.
Another must-try dish is the Geng Song Siakap (Spicy and Sour Barramundi Curry), which is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Chan said the gravy used herbs and spices imported from Thailand.
“We deep-fry the barramundi before immersing it in the gravy.
“We also adjusted the level of spiciness to suit local taste,” she added.
Another fish dish that should not be missed is the Thai-Style Barbecued Tilapia.
The fish is best paired with the restaurant’s own ginger paste dip, which contains ingredients such as coriander, lime and garlic.
Those who can handle the heat can opt for the Thai Sambal, made from chilli and shrimp paste.
Other dishes worth trying at the restaurant are the Thai Sambal Sotong and Coconut Tom Yam.
For dessert, the refreshing and fruity Red Ruby is a treat, especially during the current hot spell.
Chan said the main ingredients for the dish were diced water chestnuts and fruits such as jackfruit.
The classic Mango Sticky Rice, doused in a mildly sweet and fragrant coconut milk, should not be missed either.
Meanwhile, the Thai Coconut Ice-Cream offers a rich mix of textures, with crunchy coconut crisps contrasting with the creamy ice-cream.
The restaurant also offers Thai-style barbecue, making it a popular spot for gatherings.
“We have about 80 tables and five VIP rooms,” said Chan, adding that the place is also popular with tour groups and for occasions such as Mothers Day.
Thai Garden Village’s many accolades include winning the Asean Food & Travel Awards twice.
In 2024, it won Malaysia’s Best Thai Seafood & BBQ Restaurant Award (Central Region).
“This year, we brought home Malaysia’s Best Thai Garden Dining Experience Award.
“We have also won the Best Thai Cuisine & Tourist Favourite Award under the Made For The World Excellence Award 2024,” said Chan.
THAI GARDEN VILLAGE SEAFOOD & BBQ, Lot 32713, 6 1/2 Mile, Jalan Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 019-632 6363). Business hours: Noon to 11pm, daily. Non-halal.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Thai Garden Village Seafood & BBQ in Kepong exudes village vibes with its tranquil setting. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Mango Sticky Rice (left) and Thai Coconut Ice-Cream.
Geng Song Siakap or Spicy and Sour Barramundi Curry.
Thai-Style Barbecued Tilapia with two types of dips.
Signature King Prawn Glass Noodle.
