I hope that all of you are doing great
It's the weekend so I'm sure that all of you have fun plans in mind.
Hehehe~
Still thinking about what to do...
In this entry, I would like to introduce Boat Noodle Malaysia.
Boat Noodle (also known as Kuey Teow Ruer) is a local street food that originates all the way from the floating markets of Thailand. Small bowls of springy noodles in flavourful broth garnished with various toppings are being served from food vendors on boats at the floating markets. Apart from floating markets, these noodles are also a huge hit on the streets of Thailand.
So, if you ever go to Thailand, don't forget to try the authentic Boat Noodle dishes from the floating markets :)
Anyway, Boat Noodle Malaysia brings local Thai street food to the Malaysian epicurean scene.
Ever since the first outlet opened in Empire Damansara way back in March 2014 (they only serve noodles at that time), Boat Noodle Malaysia has already amassed a wide following and the number of outlets has significantly increased throughout Malaysia (and still counting). Due to the increasing popularity, Boat Noodle Malaysia has upgraded their menu by adding new items to give their patrons (both regular or newbies) a variety of choices for local Thai street food. They are still expanding their menu up until now ;)
I've finally got my chance to visit Boat Noodle Malaysia at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur and the restaurant was empty when I arrived because the restaurant had just opened its doors for the day. So I was the first customer of the day. Hehehe~
Boat Noodle Malaysia, Berjaya Times Square
The ambiance of the restaurant is bright and lively due to the spacious interior of the restaurant. Wooden furniture and colourful Thai posters and advertisements give the restaurant a rustic and hipster-like feel. You can even feel like you're sitting in a real Thai restaurant in Thailand as the restaurant even play upbeat Thai songs. Overhead LCD screens display photo collages of the patrons. As for the table setting, Boat Noodle Malaysia cater for all types of diners; solos, couples, small groups and even families.
Seating area with overhead LCD screens
Look at those artsy advertisements above the counter
Spacious seating area
Now, let's check out the FOOD!!!
Boat Noodle Malaysia specialize in local Thai street food including noodles, rice dishes, side dishes (Thai salads, fried food, etc), desserts and drinks. As for the noodles and certain dishes, the portion sizes are small (served in small bowls and plates) just like the ones being served at the floating markets. But don't fret, you can still re-order if you're not full. Besides, those in small portions are really cheap so you can eat without worrying your expenditures. Hehehe.
All dishes at Boat Noodle Malaysia are made with Halal-certified ingredients (as mentioned from their website), PORK-FREE and ALCOHOL-FREE. Yay~!!!
At Boat Noodle Malaysia, you must fill in the order form to place an order.
Simply refer at the menu given and write down the code and the quantity of the food (and/or drink) of your choice. Please note that some dishes are only available exclusively at certain outlets and your dishes may subject to availability.
Next, give your order form to the waiter/waitress. They're quite helpful and efficient.
Your food and drinks will be served to you when they're ready.
Condiments and cutlery are already available on all tables.
If you want to re-order, simply repeat the steps :)
The Menu (Front)
The Menu (Back)
The order form.
You must fill in this form to place your order.
The cutlery: chopsticks and spoons.
Not a pro chopsticks user? You can ask for a fork instead :)
Condiments for extra touches
So, what have I ordered?
The MAIN STAR of Boat Noodle Malaysia... BOAT NOODLES!!!
Boat Noodles
At Boat Noodle Malaysia, the Boat Noodles have:
- two choices of noodle selections; rice noodles and egg noodles
- two choices of meats; beef and chicken
- two choices of broth that are named according to their places of origin in Thailand; Pathumtani (dark soy sauce broth with an appetizingly sourish and delicate spicy flavour) and Ayutthaya (intensely-flavoured creamy dark broth made with no less that ten secret herbs and spices)
These noodles were served in small bowls and you can always re-order if you want more :)
I'll start with Pathumtani Boat Noodles :)
Pathumtani Rice Noodle (Beef)
Rice noodles served in a clear dark soy sauce broth with beef balls and beef slices topped with fresh herbs and fried garlic. The broth is tangy, a little salty and slightly smoky. It is mild to my liking. The bouncy rice noodles really soaked up the flavours of the broth. The beef ball and beef slice give savoury notes to this dish. The herb garnish gives a nice colour contrast including chopped cilantro leaves that give a refreshing twist. The fried garlic adds a robust finishing touch.
Pathumtani Egg Noodle (Beef)
This is basically the same dish except that the rice noodles are swapped with egg noodles instead.
All other aspects are similar though: broth, meats, herb garnish and fried garlic.
The egg noodles are springy but they don't soak much of the broth though.
Next, Ayutthaya Boat Noodles :)
Ayutthaya Rice Noodle (Beef)
Rice noodles served in a rich and creamy dark broth with beef balls and beef slices topped with fresh herbs and fried garlic. Unlike Pathumtani, Ayutthaya's is more thicker and more sour. It is also mild to my liking. The rice noodles definitely soaked up the flavours of the broth. Same goes to the beef ball and beef slice; both also soaked up the flavours of the broth. As for the herb garnish and fried garlic, they're pretty much the same; adds a touch of freshness and robust to the dish.
Ayutthaya Egg Noodle (Beef)
Similar with its Rice Noodle counterpart except that the rice noodles are swapped with egg noodles instead. All other aspects are similar: broth, meats, herb garnish and fried garlic. The springy egg noodles did not soak much of the broth though.
Honestly, my personal favourite is the Pathumtani Rice Noodle (Beef).
I think that's the best out of the four. Hehehe~
If you're not into their noodle dishes, you can still choose the rice dishes offered by Boat Noodle Malaysia :)
As for the side dishes:
Grilled Chicken Ball
The grilled chicken balls are served in 2 skewers per dish. They're juicy, smoky and slightly spicy. I can taste hints of white pepper from the chicken balls. The sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce drizzle gives a sweet fiery kick to this dish. It is suitable for light munchies as it is light and fulfilling.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings marinated with a blend of secret herbs and spices and deep-fried until crispy.
This dish is served with Thai chili sauce. Well, this dish is slightly too salty for my liking.
I really wished the wing itself could've been a little bit BIGGER too.
But this dish itself is served in a small bowl... so yeah.
Don't fret though. There are still OTHER options for side dishes such as Thai salads and other light munchies. As for desserts, there are currently two choices on the menu but I did not have the chance to order them because I was quite stuffed.
As for drinks, Boat Noodle Malaysia offers a wide range of Thai iced and ice blended drinks. Top recommendations include Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea), Cha Keow Yen (Thai Iced Green Tea) and Ice Blended Coconut. These three are the best-selling drinks at Boat Noodle Malaysia.
Cha Keow Yen (Thai Iced Green Tea)
I'm sure Green Tea Lovers will love this :)
Overall, my dining experience at Boat Noodle Malaysia is good. The food is okay; light and fulfilling. Pricing is affordable. Love the refreshing drinks. The staffs are helpful and efficient. Love the bright and lively ambiance of the restaurant. Boat Noodle Malaysia is a good place to hang out with friends while having a good meal at an affordable price. Do note that Boat Noodle Malaysia will be crowded during peak hours (lunchtime and dinnertime) and extremely crowded during peak hours on weekends so do expect queues and waiting times.
Thank you Boat Noodle Malaysia for the experience :)
Side Notes:
- This restaurant is Alcohol-Free and Pork-Free
- All ingredients in the dishes are Halal-certified
- This restaurant will be crowded during lunchtime, dinnertime and weekends
- Menu items are subject to availability
Interested in going to Boat Noodle Malaysia?
[Berjaya Times Square Branch]
02-49-10 & 02-49-11, Second Floor
Berjaya Times Square 1, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10AM - 10PM everyday
*There are more Boat Noodle Malaysia branches in and out of Kuala Lumpur too.
Check out their website for more details :)
Or their Facebook page too :)
I guess that's all from me.
Have a nice weekend
Take care :)
