Tucked into the second floor of The Starling Mall in Damansara Utama, Thai Tai promises a comforting yet bold taste of Thailand in the mall-dining setting. With a menu that mixes communal favourites with standout signatures, the restaurant is ideal for both casual lunches and shared dinners.
Upon entering, the décor strikes a balance between modern simplicity and Thai warmth—wooden accents, soft lighting, and neatly arranged tables invite you to linger. Service is attentive yet not overbearing, and as the staff set up the mookata grill (for one of their signature experiences), anticipation builds. The aroma of simmering broth and grilling pork wafts through the air—a promising start.
Set A Pork (Mookata Classic)
If you’re here to share, this is the hero dish. Thin slices of pork—from lean to richly marbled cuts—are artfully arranged around a dome grill, with vegetables nestled below and three dipping sauces on the side. As the meat sizzles on the grill, dripping fat mingles with the simmering broth below, infusing the soup with deeper umami.
The lean cuts have a clean pork sweetness, while the fattier pieces render down and deliver bursts of richness. The vegetables remain crisp before they’re fully cooked, and every bite dipped into chili, garlic, or sweet-spicy sauce adds that extra kick. The theatrical element—meat grilling, broth bubbling—makes dining interactive and social. Soup refills come freely, so you can ladle more broth as the grilled drippings intensify it.
Som Tum (Thai Papaya Salad)
A classic that rarely goes wrong—this version is crisp, tart, and lively. Shredded green papaya offers crispness, while tomatoes and peanuts add juicy pop and crunch. The dressing leans sour (lime) with a hint of palm sugar, and moderate heat from bird’s eye chilli underscores the profile without overwhelming. It’s refreshing and palate-cleansing. After grilled meat and broth, the acidity and crunch reset your taste buds—exactly what a starter salad should do.
Pad Mama Ebiko
A playful twist on the ubiquitous street-style noodle. The mama (insta) noodles remain chewy and springy—a fine base. Plump prawns, lightly seared, add succulent juiciness, and the generous topping of ebiko (shrimp roe) gives bursts of briny pop as you bite through them. There’s a gentle hint of wok hei (grill aroma) that brings the flavors together. It’s comforting yet indulgent—familiar but elevated. If you love contrast (soft noodles + crunchy roe), this one delivers.
Sharing Platter (Pork Belly, Fish Cake, Moo Ping, Grilled Chicken Wings)
This is the “show-off” plate meant to tease your senses. The pork belly delivers alternating layers of crisp skin, gelatinous fat, and tender meat—a joy to chew. Fish cake, deep-fried, yields a slightly bouncy, fishy snap. Moo ping (grilled pork skewers) arrive smoky and satisfying, though I’d like them a bit more charred at edges. Chicken wings are juicy inside with crisp skin, and the char from the grill adds depth. On its own it’s a feast—bite after bite, you get different textures and flavors. The platter’s value lies in its variety, though the fish cake is perhaps the most “safe” choice among the boldness of the others.
A tip: dip the meats in the sauces in sequence—from mild to pungent—to appreciate the progression of flavor.
Red Ruby (Tub Tim Grob) – RM 12.90
A delightful Thai dessert that ends the meal on a light but satisfying note. Water chestnut cubes coated in chewy tapioca give crisp-squishy contrast; the creamy coconut-milk base is lightly sweet with aroma, cooling on the palate. The dessert isn’t heavy, but every spoonful carries layers of texture. It’s the sort of dessert that makes you pause and savor—simple, elegant, and perfect after a savoury onslaught.
Overall Verdict & Tips
Thai Tai does more than just tick boxes—it brings energy, flavor, and a sense of communal dining to a mall setting. The strengths lie in well-executed classics and playful signatures (like the Pad Mama Ebiko). The mookata is a treat, especially when done right.
For the price and location, Thai Tai offers a highly satisfying Thai-food experience. Whether you’re there in a small group or bringing friends, these dishes provide a rounded taste journey—from spicy appetizers, to grilling theatre, to noodle comfort, to a cool, soothing end.
