I have heard many good things of My Elephant prior to visiting it recently. Friends have been telling me how this neighbourhood Thai restaurant has been jiving up the dining scene in Section 17 Petaling Jaya for many years and keeping the diners happy with their delicious yet affordable fares. My Elephant was packed to the rafters on the week night that I was there. I was told it’s always packed on any day of the week.
My meal started off with Miaeng Kum (RM18), the fold-it-yourself Thai appetizer. The condiments for this appetizer are standard in most restaurants and it is the sauce that makes the difference. So onto my daun kadok I placed toasted peanuts, dried shrimps, chilli padi, coconut crisps (kerisik), diced Bombay onions, tangy bitter lime rind and bound them with a dollop of sweet sour tamarind plum sauce before popping the leafy parcel into my mouth. And wait for the explosion of flavours to sear my tongue. The sweet, sour, bitter notes and fiery chilli heat were nicely doused by the sauce – a clear indication that I will definitely order this Miaeng Kum again.
Next came the Yum Som Orr – Pomelo Salad (RM28). Clumps of sweet juicy pomelo were mixed with chopped peanuts, onions, chillies, coconut crisps, lime juice, coriander leaves and topped with several huge plump prawns. Definitely one of the better pomelo salads I’ve ever eaten.
My favourite dish here was the Tom Yum Seafood (RM20 for 2 pax). The scarlet hued soup was spicy, thanks to the variety of spices and herbs used but not overly fiery. In fact, the chilli heat was very well balanced making it easy to consume the delicious broth – we left not a single drop in the bowl. The shrimps, squids and fish in the tom yum were very fresh: sweet and bouncy in every bite!
Do ask for brown rice, to lessen the guilt because rice is a must, to go with the delectable dishes here. I had the very tasty Khai Jiao Ho Mok (RM15), a fluffy omelette with Thai fish cake served with a side dip of chillies soaked in a heavenly concoction of lime juice and fish sauce.
This alone made me pile on the rice even before the Gaeng Phet Yaeng – Roast Duck Curry (RM30) with dragonfruit and lychees was served. The curry was thick and creamy with a blend of fragrant spices which had totally steeped into the roast duck. Cubes of red dragonfruit and lychees perked up the rich curry which had me beckoning for more brown rice.
I couldn’t resist the Plah Nung Manow (RM58), a steamed whole seabass doused with My Elephant’s signature chilli, garlic and lime dressing. The flavours were enticingly sharp and incredibly appetising.
The Paku Pakis (RM15) fried with belacan was a good choice of greens. Crunchy tendrils of the jungle fern were lightly saute’ed with chillies and belacan, a dish that seldom goes wrong, in my books.
One can’t possibly have a Thai meal without ending it with desserts, especially not at My Elephant. Red Rubies and Mango with Sago (both at RM6.50) are 2 desserts that can be seen on almost every table in the restaurant.
Of the two, I prefer the former with the very generous portions of red rubies water chestnuts and thick strips of jackfruit soaking in thick creamy coconut milk – a sinfully delicious way to end a meal, I must say.
My Elephant
Block C-G4 Happy Mansion
Jalan 17/13
Section 17
46400 Selangor
Tel: (6)-010-220-1283