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Buka Puasa Buffet Thai-style at Rama V. There’s nothing I don’t like about the sentence. I like buffets and I love Thai food. When Ciki invited me for dinner at Rama V, I quickly agreed (on behalf of rif too!). I reckon most of them came earlier than the said 7.30pm, because when I arrived, they were already halfway through the buffet. OK fine. Maybe I was a wee bit late.

The first thing I took was the Tom Kar Kai (Spicy chicken soup with coconut milk). It tasted like a creamy tom yam soup. Rich, spicy and tangy, this was very delicious – I had another helping.

At the appetiser section, the first thing that caught my eye was the Chor Ladda. I like pronouncing it, but I like eating it even more. Inside its dainty, flower-shaped exterior, was a filling made from peanuts and minced chicken. This was slightly sweetish, with a nice nutty texture. Yum!

The Fresh Oyster with Thai Sauce was a delight to eat — fresh and fleshy. The red sauce on the oyster isn’t Tabasco sauce – it’s actually Thai chilli sauce. Mind you, it not the kind you get in the bottle. I had two really large oysters (almost the size of my palm). The Chả Giò (spring roll) and Tod Mun Pla Krai (fish cake) were not bad, but they paled in comparison to the Chor Ladda.

Pra Meong Tod Krathiam (deep fried squid with garlic) was incredibly addictive. rif and I loved this. The squid was crispy and fragrant from the fried garlic bits, moist and lightly chewy on the inside. Good thing I was seated far away from the buffet spread. Else, they’d have to keep refilling this dish.

Mussaman Nue (Mussaman style beef) was also pretty tasty. The beef slices were cooked till tender, absorbing the flavours of the curry gravy. A bit spicy, this dish, so if you’re a chilli wuss, go easy on the gravy!

The pad thai kai tasted almost like the real deal. A pity it wasn’t piping hot when I had it. Otherwise, it would have been superb. I tried some pineapple fried rice from rif, and thought it lacked pineapple flavour.

The Hor Mok Kung (otak otak prawn) was rich and slightly on the mild side. While it was not bad, I prefer my otak otak to be spicier.

I ate and ate my way through the buffet spread, and arrived at the dessert section, almost stuffed. While creamy from the coconut milk, the Lod Chong Nam Kati was very refreshing. Nigel sprinkled some salt into my bowl, and it was delish. Mango Sticky Rice was also pretty good, but the kid in me liked the jelly better.

They also have coffee, tea and teh tarik. I thought the teh tarik could do with more “lemak”. It wasn’t thick enough for me.

All in, I thought the spread was pretty good. And it doesn’t burn a big hole in the pocket (RM75++ per adult, RM36++ per child). There were many more items I didn’t try, because if I did, I’d have to unbutton my pants. Next time I go, I’ll wear a maternity dress. Then I can eat more. LOL

Thank you Ciki, for invite, and Andre, for being such a lovely host!

Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: I enjoyed most of the food, especially the Tom Kar Kai and Chor Ladda.

No. 5 Jalan U Thant
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2143 2663
Opening Hours: 11am-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm
https://www.ramav.com.my/

Other reviews:
Cumi & Ciki
Memoirs of a Chocoholic