Quite recently "Simply Thai" set up its fourth restaurant in Shanghai,this time in Jinqiao, Pudong; the other three being in Xintiandi,Hongmei Road and Dongping Road.

The decor at the new venue is elegant,with beautiful Thai murals adorning the walls and a unique bronze statue of Buddha at the entrance. The outdoor seating arrangement is beautiful; chairs grouped in fours are placed in rows with huge pastel shaded garden umbrellas for shade. The entire set up faces the small lake with a simple yet pretty fountain at the centre,belonging to the Green Sports and Leisure Centre.

Even if all Asian foods are somewhat influenced by their immediate neighbours,Thai
food has its own specialty so far as the aroma of the kaffir lime leaves are concerned and the much acclaimed green and red curries accompanied by the mouth-watering satays. "Thod mun Pla" (55 yuan, US$7 for six pcs) or the fried fish cake, happened to be my first appetizer. Skinless white fish,shaped into flat rounds, marinated in fish sauce, egg white and salt was lightly fried and served with lemon juice garnished with the zest of the lemon. The juice was served in pretty wooden bowls, making the entire package mouth-watering. Apart Taste of Thailand simply delicious Sago coconut pudding from ordering the usual "green curry" with rice,I also asked for the "Mee ka Ti" (45 yuan, US$5.6) or the fried noodle with chicken in coconut sauce. Being a very authentic Thai dish, very fine noodles were cooked carefully so that every string remained intact. The wonderful aroma of the coconut sauce and the succulent pieces of chicken added to its grandeur.

While looking for a sweet dish on the menu, "Kha Nom Ta Kook" (35 yuan, US$4.4 for six pcs) attracted my attention, mainly because of its pretty and colourful look. This basically was six pieces of small sago and coconut pudding, wrapped in pandan leaves.Not only did the dish look beautiful, it tasted awesome. A few pieces of corn were also added to give a tinge of salt in the sweet dish and it was just fantastic.

For vegetarians there is a mixed saut vegetables (40 yuan, US$5) and eggplant with bell pepper sauce (45 yuan) and both Thai noodles and Thai fried rice (both priced at 45 yuan) are available as vegetarian dishes.

Service in this branch of the chain of restaurants was very good. All waiters andwaitresses are attentive and helpful and can even suggest the correct quantity of food that should be ordered, depending on the size of the family. Reservation is advisable because during lunch and dinner hours and especially during weekends as the place is teeming with people.

Simply Thai has been in Shanghai for seven years and is famous for its authenticity; lime, aromatic basil, and fish sauce are all brought in from Thailand to preserve this authenticity, and to add to the health factor no MSG is added in any food.

Simply Thai
Location: 600 Lantian Road, Jinqiao, Pudong,inside Green Sports and Leisure Centre
Tel: 021-50301690