★★★★★ Food quality
★★★★☆ Service
★★★★★ Ambiance
★★★★★ Value
★★★★★ Menu selection
★★★★★ Location/Accessibility
★★★★☆ Overall experience
A few weeks ago, my colleague FF and I were in search of a place to unwind and enjoy some delectable bites and beverages. After scouting out various spots, we stumbled upon Pin Toh, an Asian restaurant. From the outside, the establishment seemed unassuming, but as we made our way through the front door, we were immediately greeted by an inviting atmosphere and an intoxicating aroma that filled the air. As we waited for the male receptionist to attend to us, I couldn't help but admire the restaurant's interior design. The golden walls beautifully highlighted the Thai royal aesthetic, and a striking mural depicting a pilgrimage to the golden land adorned one side of the room. On the other side, the bar showcased an impressive array of foreign liquors, presumably Asian, which piqued my interest. And at one end of the room was an open kitchen, where diners could observer the preparation of their dishes.
After settling into our seats, we browsed the menu and discovered that the restaurant had a distinct Thai focus. Despite our initial intentions to order drinks and appetizers, we couldn't resist the allure of the Chicken Satay and Crispy Tofu, both served with peanut sauce. The male receptionist recommended a Thai iced tea for me and a Thai beer for FF. However, our modest order took him by surprise, and he remarked, "That's it?" We assured him that we would order more later and eagerly awaited our drinks and dishes. For drinks, I ordered the popular Thai iced tea, and my colleague, the best beer in the world, as recommended by the male receptionist. As we sipped on our beverages, I savored the sweetness of my Thai iced tea, which reminded me of boba tea, minus the boba. FF raved about the Thai beer, proclaiming it to be the best beer he had ever tasted. We enjoyed the lively ambiance of the restaurant as more patrons came and went, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Finally, our food arrived, and we dug in. I started with the Crispy Tofu and was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the dish. The tofu was expertly fried to achieve a crispy exterior, yet the inside remained firm and fresh-tasting, without being oily. The sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, with bits of peanut mixed in. I felt that a soy or chili sauce would have been a better accompaniment for the fried tofu. Next up was the Chicken Satay, which was irresistible despite my usual aversion to chicken. The grilled chicken was skewered and marinated in a blend of flavors that included lemongrass and a slight hint of flame. When dipped in the chilly peanut sauce, the flavors melded together to create a perfect balance of saltiness and richness. Although we had planned to order more, we decided to call it a night after finishing our meal and drinks. The male receptionist inquired about our experience, and I confirmed that everything was excellent, except for my unfinished Thai iced tea. I promised to return soon for the world's best cocktail, which he had recommended.
Overall, Pin Toh exceeded our expectations. The menu was limited, but the possibilities were endless as we could try different combinations of appetizers, entrées, and desserts to create unique flavor profiles. The prices were fair, if not on the cheaper side, which made the food even more enjoyable. The service was satisfactory, but could benefit from a bit more refinement in etiquette. As someone who loves street food in Southeast Asia, I truly appreciated the flavors and aromas of the dishes, which reminded me of the food I used to savor from roadside street vendors. I highly recommend Pin Toh to anyone seeking authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.
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