Hidden within the walls of the now quiet Orchard Towers is Korat Thai Cafe, a no-frills eatery on the third floor that has been operating since 1999. Recently taken over by Class 95 DJs The Muttons, Korat Thai has often been labeled as a restaurant that “serves the most authentic flavours of thailand” or has “the best thai food in singapore”.
After confirming the purchase from the previous owners who planned to retire and move back to Thailand, The Muttons announced in a post that they had purchased the “most legendary Thai eatery on Orchard Road,” and exclaimed that “The best Thai food we’ve ever had in SG must continue its legacy”. They have since introduced new popular Thai favourites like the Tom Yum Mama Ultra Pot, Leng Saap Volcano Pork Spine, and Khao Soi.
The original kitchen team, led by Korat Thai’s longtime head chef, remains in place following the ownership change. The staff, including the experienced kitchen help, continues to work at the restaurant, meaning the quality of the cooking and food will remain the same.
Korat Thai Cafe dishes we tried:
Tom Yum Mama Ultra ($65): This is essentially the Thai version of Budae Jjigae, but with better ingredients and a stronger punch. The base is a flavourful tom yum broth that is filled with noodles and a bunch of ingredients like prawns, squid, crab, meatballs and roast pork belly. The broth here is nice with the flavour a little on the stronger, creamier side, which I really liked.
Pla Sum Rod ($35): This is a thai style deep fried sea bass topped with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Very nicely cooked with a crisp exterior and soft inside. The sauce just added another dimension to the deep fried fish taste. Would recommend.
Signature Crispy Omelette ($9.50): This is a must order if you’re coming to Korat Thai Restaurant. In terms of shiok-ness, it punches above its price. Whatever they added to the deep fried egg is just a winner. ORDER IT.
Deep Fried Garlic Pepper Pork ($13.50): This was another winner at Korat Thai. Crispy deep fried goodness. Love how the garlic, pepper and pork come together in the deep fry to produce this fragrant, aromatic and addictive plate.
Pineapple Fried Rice ($8.50): Classic Thai fried rice. Was pretty good with chunks of pineapple and pork.
Spicy Kang Kong ($10.50): One of the simpler dishes in terms of taste profile. Could use more chilli. I want my food to punch me in the face!
Conclusion: For those seeking an affordable yet authentic taste of Thailand, Korat Thai Cafe is a restaurant worth exploring, despite its no-frills setting. The food is just too good not to try, especially the crispy omelette. However, don’t expect comfort or ambience here, it’s more akin to an air-conditioned kopitiam than a proper restaurant. I have to say though, It might be a great casual place, with oversized dishes, for friends to come together, enjoy a delicious meal, and catch up while chugging down a beer or two.
Korat Thai Cafe
400 Orchard Road, #03-28 Orchard Towers, Singapore 238875
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 11pm
Tel: 8208 0651
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT NS22/TE14 (400m walk. 5-10mins)
Nearest Parking: Orchard Towers
Korat Thai Delivery/Pickup/Reservations: https://eats.oddle.me/menus/korat-thai-cafe
Korat Thai Instagram: @koratthai0328
These dishes make me hungry 🤤