Recently, firm favourite Planter Jim's in Bangsar started serving steamboat. Seriously we can't think of a nicer way to spend a rainy evening dipping meats and vegetables into savoury soups with tasty dips to go with them...

You know a restaurant pulls out all the stops when you have your individual pots for steamboat. If you are feel icky about sharing the communal one, then Planter Jim’s in Bangsar’s famed Telawi area is the place to go. The owners are Ek and his wife Mei Li who have been in business for 12 years. They were among the first ones to set up their business in Bangsar back in 1997.

The interior is tastefully decorated with Asian-infused paintings, depicting the cultural richness of the Far East. There is also a well-stocked bar and mini cigar divan for those wanting to unwind after a hearty meal. Guests can choose to dine at the al-fresco area while enjoying the surrounding nightlife of Bangsar.

The new addition of steamboat in the delectable Thai menu is of course a good move to add some variety. They even serve up exotic items such as oysters, crabs, lobsters and more. This is a good place to entertain your guests on a more refined level of steamboating, which is where the individual pots come in handy. Among the seafood treasures for the steamboat include whole live Australian lobster, Sri Lankan crab, fresh king prawns, fresh Australian Black Lip Mussels, live Australian oysters, kingfish, tropical lobsters and rainbow lobsters. The steamboat sets even come with starters and dessert.

I tried the Seafood Steamboat Set priced at RM55. The starter comprised of Chargrilled Rib Eye Skewers – northern style grilled rib of beef marinated with lemon grass and spices on skewers and served with peanut sauce. The meat was succulent and the lemon grass had an interesting and distinct flavouring. The classic style Tom Yam prawn base broth came with prawns, squid, fish balls and fish slices, tofu, mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, vegetables, noodles and eggs. The basic Meaty Steamboat set costs RM39 for a minimum of two people. If customers want more exotic items like the lobster and such they of course have to spend more.

"Treasures for the steamboat include lobsters..."

I would describe the whole experience as a gourmet steamboat feast to be honest as it is more refined in terms of the ambience, dining setting and the food served. The seafood was absolutely fresh and the fact that everyone at the table can have their individual soups makes for an exquisite experience. The portion was just right so I was of course anticipating dessert – Ruam Midt, translated into Thai Ice Kacang with red rubies and jackfruit. To top it off, we also had Thai coffee flavoured with Pandan liqueur. Cherry on the cake I would say.

If you are planning on having a private party, Planter Jim’s does organise them and provides outside catering. Wine connoisseurs will be happy to know that the restaurant has a vast selection of wines from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and the United States, to name a few. The menu consists of various authentic Thai specialties ranging from poultry, seafood, curries, noodles and rice dishes. Bangsar is can be said to be a melting pot of different restaurants serving different cuisines. As for Thai food, Planter Jim’s is your best bet.



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