As we bid farewell to the Year of the Horse, we also say a sad goodbye to three Asian eateries that we visited this past year but failed to write about in time - these three places have since closed permanently, but we still have fond memories of them. Our favourite was Ban Thai Esan, a haven for interesting Thai fare in Desa Sri Hartamas.
Any outlet that serves Thai lime-marinated raw prawns with mint is probably worth visiting; Ban Thai Esan kept its version simple, a testament to the freshness of its produce - this was as enjoyable as shrimp sashimi at any good Japanese eatery.
Salads proved piquant & pleasurably pungent, from a combo of coconut & pomelo to som tam with salted duck eggs.
Pork was prominent at Ban Thai Esan, spectacular when fried on its own, succulent when steamed with coconut milk & satisfying when fried with rice. Prices weren't a pain - each of these platters cost RM16 or less.
Desserts also worked well - sweet potato & corn in warm coconut milk, black beans mixed with sago, & more.
Also closed: The original SS2 outlet of Anak East Coast, which seemed to specialise in Malaysian cooking from Kelantan & Terengganu. We hear that Anak East Coast has moved to Sea Park, still within PJ, but we haven't seen a clear sign of it yet.
If Anak East Coast is open now or soon in Sea Park, folks hankering for nasi dagang & nasi kerabu can try heading here.
Whatever we tried was competently prepared, but East Coast kids will understandably say their home states do it all better.
Final stop on our farewell tour: Al-Nizam, which brought a touch of Indian flair for awhile to Ampang's Terrace At Hock Choon.
Al-Nizam's menu was massive, ensuring an eggs-travaganza of spiced-up enticements, from biryanis & tandooris to curries.
So much good gravy to soak up, brimming with everything from fish to chicken, mutton to lentils. Yep, a very heavy meal.
Raising our glasses to Ban Thai Esan, Anak East Coast & Al-Nizam, hoping their founders & staff move on to brighter things.
Ban Thai Esan @ Desa Sri Hartamas, Anak East Coast @ SS2 Petaling Jaya & Al-Nizam @ Terrace At Hock Choon Ampang.
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