Erawan Classic & Fusion Thai Cuisine

I can't remember when was the last time I visited Erawan. That seemed like ages ago because Erawan looked so different now! The last time I was here, my hair was still short and you can really imagine how long it has been. Anan and Korn has been so kind to call me several times inviting me to try out their new dishes but I never made it because my travel schedule has been really packed.

After some afternoon shopping spree with Nazrul, it was time for dinner and both of us couldn't decide what to eat in Pavilion and I suggested Thai cuisine. The first name that came to my mind was Erawan and without a bat of an eyelid, Nazrul agreed. He has been wanting to visit this much-talked-about Thai restaurant as well.

Nazrul & Anan

It's not easy to get a reservation at Erawan at the eleventh hour and me driving up to Kota Damansara that evening was purely trying out my luck. I managed to find a parking a few steps away from the restaurant and the drizzle of evening rain did not dampen my spirit for Thai cuisine. As I sauntered into Erawan, I almost couldn't recognise this place! It has gone under a big makeover!

First thing that attracted me was the red doors. It was very intricately hand-carved by a few artisans who were hired from Thailand according to Anan. The gold trimmings and the red background as the entrance to Erawan is indeed iconic. The place now boost more tables and seating capacity, which I would rejoice and you won't help but notice the beautiful orchid arrangements that decorated the dining hall. It gives this place an elegant touch.

I think I'm really lucky because there's table available for both of us and Anan could still recognise me despite being missing a long time. We were given a walk-in-menu. This place encourages a pre-order of 1 day in advance because some of the special Thai dishes need to be prepared in advance and popular items on the menu might run out. Their menu is available here and you can always give them a call to pre-book your facvourite dishes.

Tom Yum (Clear soup with Seafood) RM38

This is always one of my must-order dish. A Thai dinner will not be complete without a bowl of spicy and sour Tom Yum soup. This one here has the right mixture of galangal, lime, lemongrass and Eryngii Mushroom besides the prawns and cuttlefish. You can request for the level of spiciness according to your tolerance level. I'm not very adventurous with spiciness and therefore, a 2 will be sufficient. I don't want to drink this soup and tear at the same time. This bowl here is sufficient for 2-3 people.

Curry Fish Cake (RM38)

It was such a delight that Anan and Korn remembered that I love the fish cakes here and they already put it into the order without me having to utter a word! That's because their fish cakes are made with only 100% fish. They are using mackerel and then it's mixed with their own recipe of curry and deep fried. The fish cakes are topped with fried spinach leaves and served with a homemade cucumber salsa. The fish cakes has a firm texture and you can really taste the fish paste but what you really have to do is to have it with the sauce. It's a great combination.

Pineapple Curry with Prawns (RM38)

One of the curries that I've never ordered but was glad that Nazrul did. For this dish, you can either choose you prefer the mussels or the prawns and I prefer prawns. The prawns are simmered in a coconut milk and red curry paste flavoured with kaffir lime leaf and pineapple cutlets. I'm surprising how refreshing this curry tastes. There's some tangy flavours and the curry isn't too thick. I'm glad I gave this a try this time. I noticed how routine we can be in ordering our dishes and sometimes, we need to really be adventurous to try something new.

Paku Pakis with Prawns

One of the new dishes that were introduced here is the paku pakis (fern). I've always like this vegetable but it's just that I rarely come across places that serves this. We're lucky that day because Anan told us that this is available and of course I would not give this a miss. I like the crunchy fern stems and the tender shoots with the right amount of spiciness in that dish. The prawns are big and succulent too.

I really had a good time at Erawan as always. It was a good mixture of delicious Thai cuisine, cosy ambiance and gracious hosts. Korn did a good job at the kitchen dishing up all these beautiful Thai dishes and I do love their pottery and food presentation. This place is still one of my top lists for Thai cuisine. Yes, prices might not be as affordable but what you get here is quality ingredients, good-tasting cuisine and wonderful experience. It's so comfortable that you would really love to come back as frequent as possible.

Erawan

(the row opposite Starbucks, same row as D Fortune restaurant)

No.22-1, Jalan PJU 5/16, 

Dataran Sunway Kota Damansara, 

47810 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia  

GPS Coordinates: 3.152857, 101.591971  

Website

Tel/Fax: + 603-61412393
Email: siamdb@msn.com