Fa-Ying by Rama V @ Paradigm Mall

Ever heard of Rama V? It's supposed to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Klang Valley. I've been there once, for buka puasa, it's good but certainly a splurge as it's fine dining. Plus it's in the middle of Ampang, a little out of the way for us living in the boondocks.

Fa-Ying is the casual dining spin-off at Paradigm Mall serving fusion thai-western on the menu. I thought it was a chinese restaurant to be quite honest.

Clockwise from top: Red Duck Sandwich, Pineapple Krunch Cake and Thai Tea with milk.

I had the red duck sandwich. Truth be told, I was a little dubious when I saw it as I thought it could use more meat. However, it turned out to have a surprisingly strong flavour. The soft bread did not overcome the tender duck meat. There's some veggie in there; salad, some onions and cucumber.

It came with a serving of a tempura fried veggies and papaya salad (som tam). The tempura, while crispy, was just a wee bit oily. Could have been drained a little longer, I think. The som tam was spot on with texture but I personally like my som tam with a kick - spicier and more sour. This was like som tam for beginners.

The Thai Tea with milk was a little weak for me. I've had the one at Rama V and this one doesn't match up. Maybe it was the ice making it watery?

The generous sized Pineapple Krunch cake was incredibly moist with some pineapple pieces in it. I wished that there was more of that delicious caramel glazed walnuts as it gave a lovely crunchy texture and added a much needed contrast. It was yummy but a little sweet for me and probably would've been better shared.

Apologies but I have lost the receipt in an unfortunate incident which involved my cat. But the prices (based on memory, so I do apologise if they are wrong) are roughly RM10 for the drink, RM15-20 for the main, and the cake was RM12-15.

Verdict - I definitely wouldn't mind returning, though I won't be rushing back.

Fay Ying by Rama V
GB-08, Level G,
Paradigm Mall,
No. 1, Jalan SS7/26A,
Petaling Jaya, 47301
T: 03-7451 2933

FB: http://www.facebook.com/faying.com.my

Price - $-$$
Halal meat sources, alcohol served
Open from 11am to 12am daily

Eating Halal @ Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities, especially as it's pretty affordable and has a great public transportation system. But eating there can be such a challenge if you're going halal.

Halal food in Bangkok exists but not at all tourist spots! Or at least, not that we know of...

This isn't a review, more like a short guide of halal food in Bangkok based on our experience.

Soi Arab aka Soi 4 @ Sukhumvit
A few blocks away from the naughty nightclubs and bars of Nana and ladies (and ladyboys) of the night is Soi Arab aka Little Arab. You'll find plenty of middle eastern cuisine, thai and some familiar dishes like roti naan, roti canai/ prata. However, the prices here are like KL midrange and up e.g roti for rm5 (WAH LIAO!), briyani rice around RM15.
Nearest BTS - Nana or Phloenchit

Surao Alley @ Ratchatewi
A simple rule of thumb - where there's a mosque, there'll be halal food. Along the walk on Phetchaburi Road to the corner of Surao Alley is Darul Aman Mosque and several halal eateries. If you can't take the heat, head to Hayati Restaurant as it is air conditioned but the prices there are more mid range but the food mediocre. Skip their cendol as it was served with ice cubes instead of shaved ice, sugar instead of gula melaka. Other restaurants include Mak Yah and Ali Selatan.
Nearest BTS - Ratchatewi (about a 5 min walk)

Platinum Fashion Mall @ Pratunam
The food court has one halal vendor (look out for the sticker on their food display, none on signage). It can be a bit tricky to find if there's a queue blocking the sticker so keep a lookout! They also have one stall that sells only seafood dishes and an Indian stall. There was a vegetarian but it was closed (for the day or for good, we're not sure).

Do note that this is a food court with shared utensils/ cutlery although I think the cooking pots are washed separately. Eat at your own discretion.

Nearest BTS - Siam or you could take the Khloeng river taxi to Pratunam

Chatuchak Market

There are several halal stalls in Chatuchak! They should have a halal sticker on display. Relatively easy to find. 

Nearest MRT - Chatuchak

The Khloeng behind Jim Thompson House @ Rama 1
A few years we found a restaurant along the khloeng behind Jim Thompson House that sold inexpensive halal thai food. Authetic and delicious but alas, we cannot confirm if the place still exists as we didn't head that way recently. No harm taking a peek if you're in the area though.

Warning: it's right next to the khloeng. Speeding water taxis may spray you.
According to google maps, somewhere across the khloeng from Jim Thompson is Darul Faha Mosque. 

Nearest BTS - National Stadium

Siam Paragon

(Dated information) there's a halal indian restaurant but it's rather pricy.

The supermarket stocks some halal certified local items like sauces, pastes, cookies and snacks. The challenge is going through their extensive collection to find the halal ones!

Nearest BTS - Siam

I was told a few years ago from a trusted source that chicken in Bangkok is halal, so places like KFC are safe. However take this information with a pinch of salt as I've recently read this has changed, it depends on which outlet you go to. So to be safe, ask the staff!

Useful links:

Halallivingthailand.com