This used to be my playground. Far East Plaza has lost its glory for the heydays, though I still go there occasionally to look-see at men’s jackets and have inexpensive Thai food.
Maybe it is far-fetched to say Kra Pow Thai Restaurant is a “hidden gem” now because many-in-the-know have already visited this eatery – for its value-for-money, quite authentic Thai food at Orchard Road.
Kra Pow means “basil”, though with my limited Thai, I found it sounds like “handbag”.
This used to occupy a smaller unit, but they have expanded to a bigger space on Level 3.
@PinkyPiggu constantly raves about its Drunkard Noodle Pork ($7.90) and Crispy Thai Chicken Wings ($6.90), an indulgent treat after her manicure session.
Since I am on “Drunkard Noodles”, it is more commonly known as “Drunken Noodles” even though there is no alcohol used in the original Thai recipes.
There are several versions to the story. A particular version said someone went home drunk and cooked up something with available ingredients in the fridge, which sounds quite believable.
Fried with broad flat rice noodles (kway teow), the use of chilies and fresh holy basil give rise to its distinct spiciness.
There are two versions of Drunkard Noodles available at Kra Pow – with Pork ($7.90) or Seafood ($8.90).
Both have its merits, though the minced pork when spread out helped to prolong that enjoyment. Get what I am saying?
I enjoyed how the dish looked deceptively simple, yet the flavours and fiery profile would burst in your mouth with a tingling.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this a 6.5 in spiciness, 7.5 in taste – a worthy-to-try dish for its wok-hei.
The Tom Yum Seafood ($7.90) in choices of clear and red, tasted quite authentic. I used the word “quite” because it was obviously tamed down to suit the local palates, yet not too much.
Most of the other Thai street food dishes, from Stir Fried Kang Kang ($9.90), Pad Thai ($9.90), to Green Curry Chicken ($7.90) managed to capture some of that Thai essence without tasting too generic or factory-like.
In terms of pricing, it has gone up slightly from the initial days but I still find this an affordable eat, especially in the heart of town. A place I don’t mind returning again and again, if they keep their quality consistent.
Kra Pow Thai Restaurant
Far East Plaza, 14D Scotts Road, #03-26/27 Singapore 228217
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm Daily
Other Related Entries
Soi 47 (Toa Payoh)
Pope Jai Thai (Orchard Scape)
Time For Thai (Cheong Chin Nam Road)
A-Roy Thai Restaurant (Novena Square)
Saap Saap Thai (Our Tampines Hub)
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