Thongsen Authentic Thai Restaurant – Solaris, Mont Kiara
Words: Caroline Lai
Photos: Matt Wehner
In a line of bustling shopfronts in Solaris, Mont Kiara, Thongsen emerges as a refreshing addition – a pork-free Thai restaurant that stands out in the heart of this international enclave. The restaurant’s laid-back, island-inspired storefront evokes the charm of a cafe you might find tucked away on one of Thailand’s picturesque islands. The open-concept entrance welcomes us with a warm ambience and a thoughtfully curated single-page menu offering a well-balanced variety of single-plate dishes, which I will delve into shortly.
Thongsen Authentic Thai Restaurant – Solaris, Mont Kiara
Co-founder Joe revealed that “Thongsen” translates to “gold noodle,” a fitting name for a restaurant that emphasises quality and tradition. He also shared that a new menu is in the works, allowing guests to choose from four different types of noodles. Always attentive to customer feedback, Joe plans to introduce several classic rice dishes in the upcoming menu, ensuring a wider array of authentic Thai flavours for everyone to enjoy.
We dined as a group of four, allowing us to sample various dishes. If I had come alone, I would have undoubtedly left eager to return and explore the rest of the menu! The restaurant’s casual setting features an open kitchen at the rear and quaint tables arranged in neat rows leading towards it. Guests place their orders using the menu and order sheets provided, which are then collected by a server.
For those on the go, a small counter at the entrance makes it easy to place a quick takeout order. We also learned that a charming cart showcasing local Thai delights will soon be added – perfect for customers picking up their takeout orders or passersby looking to grab a quick afternoon snack.
Thongsen Thai Thirst-Quenchers
A vibrant selection of Thai beverages is available at Thongsen, featuring classics like Thai Milk Tea (RM7), Thai Green Tea (RM7), Coconut Shake (RM9), and Fresh Coconut (RM8). I always judge the authenticity of a Thai restaurant by its Thai Milk Tea, and Thongsen’s version ranks among the best I’ve tried. However, my personal favourite has to be the Coconut Shake. With real coconut flesh and a scoop of coconut ice cream on top, it truly is the real deal. The default for cold drinks is single-use plastic, but they are happy to serve them in reusable cups – so be sure to ask when you order.
Appetisers Menu
Steering away from the usual papaya and mango salads, we were recommended the Watermelon Salad (RM 9), which exceeded our expectations. A refreshing combination of watermelon cubes, mint leaves, tamarind, chilli, shallots, dried shrimp, and a squeeze of lemon juice, this sweet and subtly savoury dish set the tone for the meal, impressing us with its perfect execution.
Fried Spring Rolls (RM 10) were clearly made with care, a quintessential deep-fried delight. Far from the typical frozen variety, these rolls were generously filled with radish, vegetables, and juicy fresh mushrooms. You can request either their sweet Thai chilli sauce or Sriracha hot sauce; it’s an easy choice for sharing!
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, the Thai Crab Omelette with Sticky Rice (RM15) is a must-order. This appetiser pairs a luxuriously creamy crab omelette with warm Thai sticky rice. The combination offers a complex mix of flavours and textures, with generous amounts of crab meat that make it a great value for the price.
Mains Menu & Prices
We began our main courses with a seriously delicious bowl of Beef Noodle Soup (RM20). Served piping hot, the soup’s aroma was so enticing that we couldn’t wait to dig in. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the broth struck a harmonious balance without being overly sweet. We found ourselves slurping away, leaving the bowl completely empty—a sure sign of satisfaction.
Next, we tried the Tom Yum Seafood Noodle (RM 19). I requested a mild version due to past experiences where the soup’s spiciness had overpowered the dish and ruined my enjoyment. Joe graciously accommodated my request, and the result was nothing short of amazing. The broth was wonderfully fragrant, featuring an assortment of seafood, including two fair-sized tiger prawns, squid, and fish balls, which added to the dish’s richness.
The Thai Stir-Fried Basil Leaf Lava Egg with Rice (RM19) is, without a doubt, my favourite. A creative twist on the classic Krapow, it features a creamy, lava-like omelette draped over warm rice, topped with stir-fried minced beef infused with garlic, chilli, and the unmistakable aroma of Thai basil for that distinctive grassy, spicy kick. You can also opt for chicken (RM16) or seafood (RM21).
New to their recently launched menu, the Crab Fried Rice (RM19) is a must-try. The dish is generously loaded with crab meat, stir-fried with rice, and seasoned with a distinct fish sauce that imparts an authentic Thai flavour. For an extra kick, ask for their chilli dip. I highly recommend adding a sunny-side-up egg to complete this dish!
Dessert Menu
No visit to a Thai restaurant is complete without indulging in the classic Mango Sticky Rice (RM12). This dessert staple features a perfectly balanced portion of fragrant mango, sticky rice, and a scoop of coconut ice cream, all topped with a drizzle of rich “santan” (coconut milk). It’s the perfect sweet ending to your meal at Thongsen.
Reasons to visit Thongsen Authentic Thai Restaurant: Joe and his passionate team are dedicated to delivering an authentic Thai dining experience with a menu that showcases both quality and tradition. Originally focused on noodles, Thongsen is thoughtfully expanding its offerings to include more rice dishes, reflecting its commitment to guest feedback and ensuring that everyone enjoys the best of Thai cuisine. The charming condiment sets and mini fish sauce bottles on each table invite guests to customise their meals, making dining here a light-hearted and fuss-free experience – perfect for solo diners and groups alike. Best of all, you can savour these wholesome Thai dishes without burning a hole in your pocket.
Fun Fact: Joe went the extra mile by hiring a professional chef from Thailand to help establish Thongsen’s menu and kitchen standards. His wife, who is also Thai, plays a crucial role in maintaining these standards and continuously developing new recipes. Joe is no stranger to the culinary scene – he also founded two other Thai restaurants located in Sunway Geo Avenue and The Starling Mall.
Thongsen Authentic Thai Restaurant
16 Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6016 267 6988
@thongsen.my
* Alcohol and pork-free.
** Limited street parking, but there’s ample hourly parking available at the Solaris building just across the road.
*** Available on delivery platforms; GrabFood & FoodPanda. Check out the “Dine Out” deals on GrabFood and get a 15% discount (for a limited time only) starting 15 August onwards.
Thongsen Authentic Thai Restaurant
Daily: 11 am – 10:30 pm (last call 10 pm)
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