A Taste of Bangkok at Khao Man Gai, Ara Damansara
A Delicious Thai Haven in the Heart of Petaling Jaya
While most of us associate chicken rice with Hainanese heritage, our neighbor to the north, Thailand, also offers a version that is equally delicious and subtly different from the offerings available here. Thanks to PJ Khao Man Gai restaurant’s "Bangkok Street chicken rice" in Ara Damansara, you can now experience it without having your passport stamped at the Thai border.
Menu and Ambiance
The menu is fairly simple: there’s chicken rice (and porridge) with different options of chicken, and "lava creamy egg rice" with different toppings. The restaurant also offers a selection of popular Thai side dishes such as fried chicken skin, stir-fried kangkung, chicken feet salad, and that perennial Thai favorite, mango sticky rice.
Must-Try Dishes
For mains, you can’t go wrong with the mixed chicken rice with deep-fried and steamed chicken (RM11.90) or lava creamy egg rice with seafood (RM17.90). Side-dish wise, there’s the chicken feet salad (RM9.90) and fried chicken skin (RM5.90). For dessert, give the tako, or coconut pudding, a try (RM5.90 for two pieces).
Food Review
The chicken rice is certainly competency, with flavorful oily rice and a juicy and crispy chicken thigh, accompanied by three types of Thai chilli sauces. However, this writer’s favorite has got to be the lava creamy egg rice: rich and packed with squid and prawns that are cooked just right. In a word? Delicious.
The side dishes are also generous, with chicken feet aplenty in the salad and more fried chicken skin than your doctor would probably allow. That said, the fried chicken skin would be perfect for tapau-ing and enjoying in front of the television with a cold one!
Conclusion
Khao Man Gai is certainly worth visiting, but do aim to go early or on a weekday if you wish to avoid the crowds. With its variety of Thai dishes and reasonable prices, it’s a great option for those looking to try something new and different.
FAQs
- What is Khao Man Gai?
- Khao Man Gai is a Thai restaurant located in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
- What are the hours of operation?
- 10am-3pm (closed on Tuesdays)
- How do I contact them?
- 011-1191 8013
- Is this restaurant worth visiting?
- Yes, it is definitely worth visiting, especially for those who love Thai cuisine. However, it’s best to avoid the crowds by going early or on a weekday.