I’ve heard good things about Janwa Thai Restaurant in Bandar Menjalara – apparently, the place is managed by Thai folks and food is said to be quite decent. Went there a couple of weeks back with my teammates for lunch, after a client meeting near the area.
Lunch for three pax
For lunch on a weekday, Janwa Thai is quiet. We were the only table occupied so food didn’t take long to arrive. The special seafood tomyam (RM18 – small) has a mixture of prawns, fish and squid, served in a metal pot. I find this rather flat tasting; mostly spicy and sour, with hardly any sweetness from the onions or seafood.
Special seafood tomyam
Thai style mango salad
The Thai style mango salad (RM12 – small) features slivers of young mango with dried shrimp, anchovies and shallots. This lacked aroma from the fish sauce and peanuts, and the anchovies overpowered the salad overall.
Thai special pandan chicken
Thai special pandan chicken (RM2.80 per piece) isn’t as special as Janwa claims it to be, in my opinion. The chicken is adequately seasoned and served with Thai sweet chili sauce on the side. I find this decent but nothing worth shouting about.
Acacia Pennata Omelette
The Acacia Pennata Omelette (RM12 – small) is also know as ชะอม Cha Om in Thai. This vegetable is popularly used in Thai cooking; mostly omelette. The version at Janwa Thai is light and tasty enough, without being too oily.
Squid stir-fry curry
I was pretty disappointed with the squid stir-fry curry (RM18 – small). On the menu, prawn is used but since I didn’t feel like getting my hands dirty, I asked for squid instead. While the squid is tender enough, I find the curry rather one-note. Almost as though they used the same base as Thai-style otak otak and rejigged it into the stir-fry. Not that I have anything against it, but the flavour wasn’t as spot on.
Prices are reasonable at Janwa Thai, but I feel the food isn’t much to shout about. Since we ordered mostly their ‘signature dishes’, I assume it’s got to be their best.
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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: If you’re looking for a good Thai restaurant in the area, this is not it. You’re better off eating here.
Janwa Thai Restaurant
99G, Jalan 5/62a,
Taman Manjalara,
52200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6276 5658
Business hours: 11am till 10.30pm