Steve asked me, “What’s the best time to eat at ParaThai ?”
I chuckled in response.
I gave him a tour of all the restaurants, cafes, and Gurney Food Hall at Gurney Plaza Mall—no joke!
ParaThai – a culinary gem in Gurney Plaza, offers a unique dining experience that is alive and active at all hours of the day.
Not just on weekends!
We aimed to have lunch there, but the restaurant was full when we passed by at noon.
Deciding to shop first, we returned at 1:45 p.m., hoping the lunch crowd had thinned out.
Which didn’t happen…
So we joined the queue, only 4 tables before our turn.
They led us to the corridor next to the restaurant, where tiny stools and a retractable belt barrier divider were placed. (This corridor leads to the washroom.)
We still sat on tiny stools, waiting in line for a table.
However, the service was swift. They encouraged us to start ordering while seated in the queue, so our meal arrived quickly once we got to our table.
The food was delicious, and given the price range, it was worth the wait!
First Visit to ParaThai
My first visit to ParaThai was with SC.
The restaurant is always bustling with customers.
The friendly staff warmly greets you, even when you’re just walking by.
If you’ve been to Thailand, you’ll find that ParaThai ‘s menu could be more varied, focusing more on basic dishes.
While there are better choices in Thailand, ParaThai excels as a halal restaurant in a mall, attracting large crowds.
[Note: ‘Halal’ refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws, including the absence of pork and alcohol.]
The restaurant’s draw lies in its use of Thai spices and fresh herbs.
Chef Bunmee Chanthima and his expert team of Thai nationals ensure that the menu stays true to authentic Thai flavors, focusing on taste and freshness.
Most diners are visitors and tourists, with a few locals in the mix.
The prices are on the higher side, but for me, it’s not too cheap nor too expensive, considering I don’t have to travel to Thailand to enjoy authentic Thai food.
Meals with SC
SC had been to ParaThai with her family several times and recommended it as the most convenient Thai restaurant.
Why convenient?
If we can’t get a table there, plenty of other options are nearby.
We chose Thai Basil Beef (Pad Gra Prow), Tom Yum Goong, and fried Som Tum Tod, washed down with Tom Yum Coke!
ParaThai’s Signature Tom Yum Coke
SC introduced me to this intriguingly odd-looking drink: a classic tin of Coke served alongside a premixed glass brimming with herbs, chili, and lime in cold water with ice.
ParaThai’s Tom Yum Coke is an innovative beverage that combines the familiar fizz of Coca-Cola with the zesty kick of Tom Yum herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and red chili.
Imagine a lemon mint soda but with a sharper and warmer twist.
Mix them for unexpected flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
It’s the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet, making it an unforgettable drink experience!
We started with a delicious sip that was refreshingly unique, and the lime perfectly complemented the Coke.
We eagerly anticipated the arrival of our meal, our taste buds tingling with the promise of authentic Thai flavors!
For a Thai food restaurant to succeed, all five flavors of Thai cuisine must be in perfect balance for the dish to taste authentic.
These flavors are salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy.
The first dish to arrive was the tom yum.
Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) – Spicy Shrimp Soup
Everybody’s favorite Thai hot and sour soup, Tom Yum Goong, can be made with chicken, a seafood mix, or vegetarian, but the best version is with prawns.
The classic clear Tom Yum Goong, made using whole fresh prawns, is the healthiest Thai dish ever, offering a spicy kick and a balanced taste.
Renowned for its vibrant combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory notes, this iconic soup showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Thai ingredients that is lip-smacking good.
Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) – Spicy Shrimp Soup
Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพราเนื้อ) – Stir-Fried Beef with Thai Basil
Pad Kra Pao is a spicy Thai holy basil stir-fry that hits the spot.
It deserves the title “National Dish of Thailand” and is a favorite among Thai people and food lovers worldwide.
If you’re getting into Thai cooking, it’s a quick and easy stir-fry dish at home!
Para Thai’s one-plate meal version is loaded with tender, juicy beef and bursting with flavor!
Topped over steaming white rice and a fried egg, this is a very satisfying meal for cold, rainy days!
Som Tum Tod (ส้มตำทอด) – Deep Fried Papaya Salad
Som Tum Tod is a deep-fried version of the traditional green papaya salad. While the other ingredients remain the same as in the fresh version, the green papaya shreds are deep-fried.
This gives the green papaya a texture similar to shoestring potato fries, making it a fun dish or snack that pairs perfectly with a cold beer on hot nights.
On subsequent visits, I indulged in a quick lunch as usual and savored the Pad Thai and Thai Basil Chicken (Gai Pad Krapow), each dish a testament to the diverse and tantalizing menu at Para Thai.
L: Som Tum Tod Deep Fried Papaya Salad and Som Tum Papaya Salad
Pad Thai (ผัดไทย) – Stir-Fried Noodles
Pad Thai truly shines as a street food, even when compared to top Thai restaurants like Para Thai.
It’s made with chewy al dente rice noodles and stir-fried veggies.
Usually, it has at least one type of protein and an irresistibly fresh, sweet, and tangy tamarind sauce.
The slippery noodles, signature sweet-savory flavor, sprinkle of peanuts, and zesty lime make it a Thai favorite for a reason!
While ParaThai’s version is delicious and satisfying, it lacks that distinct prawny or fishy “funk” that defines authentic Thai street food.
This may be because ParaThai is halal and uses a different fish sauce.
When I traveled to Thailand with Kelly, she made it a point to try one Pad Thai stall a day.
We explored various versions from Thai street food vendors and renowned restaurants.
One memorable version was in Chiang Mai at an unassuming open-air stall with no name.
The dish was simply fantastic!
We found ourselves in a bustling local area, sitting on rickety stools and watching our noodles being fried right before our eyes.
The charred, smoky aroma, the umami-rich fish sauce, and the earthy, savory notes combined with salty, briny, and caramel-like sweetness made every bite irresistible.
It was an authentic taste of street food that left us craving more!
Pad Thai and Thai Tea
Gai Pad Krapow (ไก่ผัดกะเพรา) – Stir-Fried Chicken with Thai Basil
Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and easy stir-fry made with chicken, Thai basil, garlic, chili, and oyster sauce.
Serve it over jasmine rice for a delicious and authentic Thai meal.
I often drop by for this dish and pair it with a creamy Thai Milk Tea, a sweet and creamy tea made with condensed milk and a strong brew of black tea.
L: Stir-Fried Chicken with Thai Basil, R: Stir-Fried Beef with Thai Basil
Thai Lime and Garlic Steamed Fish (ปลานึ่งมะนาว)
One of the most intriguing items on Para Thai’s menu is the Thai Lime and Garlic Steamed Fish, which looks like an absolute winner.
This dish features a whole seabass steamed with Thai lime and garlic, creating a flavorful and aromatic experience.
I’m still waiting to try this with a pescatarian friend.
I don’t particularly like fish and will only take a little, so the whole seabass seems too big for me.
I remember the Steamed Crabs, Prawns, Squid, and Fish with Lime and Chili I tried in Thailand; the sauce was spot on.
It had a good balance of sweet, sour, and spiciness, with a generous amount of garlic. The Para Thai menu makes this dish look like a must-try!
I’ve spoken to other diners, and they vote for the fresh and tasty steamed fish.
They also have no complaints regarding the quality of service.
Ginger Shrimp & Glass Noodles (กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น)
Goong Ob Woonsen is a super popular Thai seafood dish, and I always order it at seafood restaurants in Thailand. The taste is unforgettable!
Juicy shrimp and glass noodles are cooked in a pot with ginger, garlic, and pepper in an umami-rich sauce.
The noodles soak up all the incredible flavors from the herbs and sauces.
This dish has a classic, unique flavor, making it a must-try Thai seafood delight.
It’s one of my all-time favorites!
ParaThai’s Ginger Shrimp & Glass Noodles (กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น)
ParaThai Popularity
If you visit at any time of day, there will almost always be a line.
Ask the manager to find out how many tables are before you.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait very long this time for a table.
I hope they move to a proper restaurant with more seating because not everyone can sit on little stools and wait along the corridor to the toilet.
Despite this, I like every dish I’ve ordered and want to return with my family and friends.
ParaThai @ Gurney Plaza
Lot B1-31, Gurney Plaza,
Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town,
Penang, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: 04-412 1388
Google: https://g.co/kgs/xEtVsWs
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
