Author: Alex Chua
Now I don’t have to travel all the way to Bangkok just to indulge Baan Ying.
Launched on 26 Jan 2019, the Thai specialty restaurant opens its first ever Singapore outlet in Royal Square, conveniently located near Novena mrt. In conjunction with its opening is the introduction of The Great Baan Ying Brunch (#TGBYB) – a weekend semi-buffet consisting of 1 main course along with a buffet spread of 12 to 15 delectable appetisers, sides and desserts on rotation every week.
Affordably priced at $38.80++ per adult and $19.40++ per child (four to ten years old; kids under three dine free; child price includes complimentary fruit juice), this is enough to draw me in, being a big fan of Baan Ying’s ala carte omelette rice and fried fish dishes. As for semi-buffet, this is something new for me.
The main brunch attractions, the 6 mains are the Bone-in Iberico Pork Chop, Angus Beef Steak, Grilled Large River Prawns, Pan-fried Salmon Steak, Junior Omelette Fried Rice and Junior Omelette Fried Noodles. Me and my friend tried the Iberico Pork Chop and Grilled Salmon, both were well-proportioned and plating wise rather straight forward. The moist and tender salmon is served with homemade Thai seafood sauce to give it an umami edge, while the juicy pork chop is perfectly marinated with Aunty Ying’s secret blend of Thai spices. Do note that you have to top up an additional $9.80 for the pork chop, but its definately worth it.
The Great Baan Ying Brunch features a plethora spread of Thai-riffic appetisers, sides and desserts. To keep up with the healthy, I started my meal at the DIY Thai Salad station, mixing and matching ingredients like peanuts, dried shrimp, cherry tomatoes, long beans and either tangy green papaya or green mango. The end result is a refreshing and colourful salad. Nothing beats some physical DIY activity, especially when it comes to buffet.
A traditional house-made rice cracker with a rich and luscious coconut, pork and shrimp dip, the Kao Tung Na Tung (Crispy Rice with Pork and Shrimp Dip) is easily one of my favourites. The crunchiness of the crackers and the savoury, meaty dip goes very well with beer.
Not to forget the Mini Larb Moo Tod (Deep Fried Spicy Meat Balls mixed with toasted ground rice). Can’t go any closer as these succulent balls are just too easy to down.
For desserts there are Rainbow Ruby, Sweet Potato in Coconut Milk and Coconut Jelly. Shaped like a delicate flower petal, the Coconut Jelly are just so refreshing and delightful to pop into the mouth.
My verdict? The Great Baan Ying Brunch is value-for-money with lots of quality, tasty buffet spread and a mains to boot.
Baan Ying
103 Irrawaddy Road, Royal Square @ Novena, $02-07 S329566
