After scouting and sampling a string of dismal imitations, I was resigned to relegating Petaling Jaya to the Siamese food drought section. Until a fellow foodie finally pointed me in the right direction - Section 17 it is! My Elephant is located in a quiet corner of the Happy Mansion apartment. The area looks more hawker-centric but drive to the farthest corner and Happy Mansion is quietly tucked there. Its ambiance and décor is understatedly arty yet intimate enough for a romantic soiree. There’s even a section that allows patrons to lounge on beanbags and sit cross-legged on mats thus allowing a more casual and relaxed dining experience.
First to arrive is Miang Kum, which provides fresh kadok leaves (commonly used to wrap Nyonya otak-otak) with a range of ingredients consisting of sliced ginger, lime, peanuts, shallots, cili padi, dried shrimp and grated coconut. It’s all DIY - put the goodies in a leaf, add a dollop of the Thai sweet sauce, wrap and pop it into your mouth. Wait for the hints of sweet, spicy, salty, lemak and tart notes to combine with the peppery Kadok leaf; it’s a mini explosion in the mouth. A perfect introduction to the intense flavours of Thailand indeed!
Instead of the usual Tomyam, we opted for the Tom Sum with fish. It’s a clear soup that is wallop-packed with flavour! The first thing that caught my eye was the cooked starfruit slices. How strange to have it as a main instead of after meals! The soup is chockfull with fish, mushrooms, galangal, lemongrass, tomatoes and coriander. One sip and I was hooked. Tangy from the herbs, flavourful from the myriad fresh stuff that goes in the broth, it’s literally the ‘star’ dish of the night.
"Is Miang Kum Thai's answer to our sireh? Mmm..."
The Yam Mamuang Talay or Mango Salad arrived next. It’s unrecognizable due to the sliced onions, carrots, scallions and coriander in it. Until I noticed the green mango amidst the melee.. Here, it was different thanks to the other ingredients, thus providing greater taste dimension to the dish. I must admit My Elephant took a gamble and won hands down!
We decided to test the chef by ordering the Green Curry Chicken or Gaeng Keow Wan. It’s the signature dish of Thailand like how nasi lemak symbolizes Malaysia. Fail this dish at your own peril! My Elephant passed with flying colours. The curry came with the right balance of spice and creaminess, the skinless chicken fillet was fresh and sliced into nice bite-sized portions. I must also commend on their rice which I think is mixed with brown rice. It’s healthy without compromising on flavour. Another great thing about this place is that your food arrives on a banana leaf which adds to the aroma.
The final dish was the Plah Nung Manow Fish which is Thai-style steamed siakap fish. Without the steaming apparatus to keep it warm through our dinner, the presentation was still par excellence. Lime slices lay prettily on top of the fish for that nice zesty flavour. The sauce tasted delectable with the right balance of lemongrass, chillies, lime and fish sauce. My only gripe was the fish. The flesh was on the mushy side which made me think this fish would have been better deep fried. Freshness was questionable here.
I also liked my drink called the Krachiap cooler which is Roselle cordial mixed with herbal tea. Very refreshing and packed with Vitamin C plus cholesterol-busting properties! So, My Elephant gets a nod, but do double check the fish first. Perhaps I should have heeded Anthony Bordain’s mantra of never ordering fish on a Monday (does it apply to Saturday too?)
More Photos To Drool On
Not too hot on the fish
To all readers out there,
Pardon my English as it may not be up to par.
I am a businessman working in Mongolia and I make often business trips to Malaysia.
I totally agree with the post on how magnificent and great the food was there and I believe it will be one of my recurring destination upon my visit next.
Sadly, I would like to say, of 3 the times I went to this restaurant, my meal, disturbed quite badly only once by a very rude customer.
I love the food, the decoration and ambiance in this restaurant - but sadly, all the goodness cannot replace the horror I witness that particular day in restaurant.
I believe, the comment above is from this customer that contribute to my horror meal in My Elephant. Sir, I was there to witness it all.
At first, this man, with his family came to restaurant and indicate reservation. As the food was good there, restaurant was always packed and customer like to bask in the nice environment of My Elephant.
I overheard the waited telling the elderly man, that he have to wait slightly as there was table at corner that was clearing soon.
The man, was very angry and impatient I feel, started to speak (very loud) to the waiter and I feel is very disrecpect like talking to a dog when it is disobedient. The man was keep scolding the waiter and want to sit his own seat not the corner one. I even hear him say "get other customer out so I can sit and eat". This is very inconsiderate.
He was offer other table but he don't want it. Eventually, the owner, Mr. Soong, who I met through Mr. Patrick, another owner came out and speak to the man. The man keep shouting and Mr. Soong could not tolerate his anger and ridiculous attitude and I guess that is why Mr. Soong raise his voice.
Honestly, I personally want to stand up to confront to man, but my friend said it is "the Malaysian way" (which i choose not to believe until today)
Finally, the family was kick out and the man was very unhappy. Creating loud noise and problems while going out and making all other customer uncomfortable. To you sir, I thank you for spoiling my evening!
I think Mr. Soong did correct, protect his staff, kick out the man of the restaurant and make all of us feel comfortable again. Mr. Soong smiled to us and apologised and I felt the nice ambiance again. To Mr. Soong, you did right! Thank you (sincerely)
To that man who create problem, I have this to say to you. A man of dignity, in front of his family, barking like a madman - in a classy restaurant? where is his pateince, understanding and gentleman attitude? just wait 15 minute.
You come to a nice restaurant, with your family, dressed, looking neat and tidy but yet you act like someone from Chow Kit Road. This confirms the saying "Form is temporary, Class is Permanant" and you sir, do not have class but try to act classy for a short time only. Please visit hawker stalls where you belong
In conclusion, I will still visit My Elephant in future, provided these people do not patron there again. The food here is excellent!
by AltantulgaMarch 24, 2009 3:26AM
Used to be a fan of My Elephant. But after tonight, will never go back again. We made a reservation, but upon arrival, were told that our table is still occupied. Another customer encountered the same problem despite both parties (us and them) arriving on time for our respective reservations. Upon query, they were told (very loudly) that reservation means 'waiting list' and not necessarily that the table will be available for them as other paying customers had come earlier. The fact that this came from one of the supposed partners, Soong, suggested a blatant lack of understanding of simple restaurant business. Both parties whose reservations were turned into 'waiting list' walked away and we for sure will never go back.
by foodiecommentDecember 14, 2008 1:56PM
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To all readers out there,
Pardon my English as it may not be up to par.
I am a businessman working in Mongolia and I make often business trips to Malaysia.
I totally agree with the post on how magnificent and great the food was there and I believe it will be one of my recurring destination upon my visit next.
Sadly, I would like to say, of 3 the times I went to this restaurant, my meal, disturbed quite badly only once by a very rude customer.
I love the food, the decoration and ambiance in this restaurant - but sadly, all the goodness cannot replace the horror I witness that particular day in restaurant.
I believe, the comment above is from this customer that contribute to my horror meal in My Elephant. Sir, I was there to witness it all.
At first, this man, with his family came to restaurant and indicate reservation. As the food was good there, restaurant was always packed and customer like to bask in the nice environment of My Elephant.
I overheard the waited telling the elderly man, that he have to wait slightly as there was table at corner that was clearing soon.
The man, was very angry and impatient I feel, started to speak (very loud) to the waiter and I feel is very disrecpect like talking to a dog when it is disobedient. The man was keep scolding the waiter and want to sit his own seat not the corner one. I even hear him say "get other customer out so I can sit and eat". This is very inconsiderate.
He was offer other table but he don't want it. Eventually, the owner, Mr. Soong, who I met through Mr. Patrick, another owner came out and speak to the man. The man keep shouting and Mr. Soong could not tolerate his anger and ridiculous attitude and I guess that is why Mr. Soong raise his voice.
Honestly, I personally want to stand up to confront to man, but my friend said it is "the Malaysian way" (which i choose not to believe until today)
Finally, the family was kick out and the man was very unhappy. Creating loud noise and problems while going out and making all other customer uncomfortable. To you sir, I thank you for spoiling my evening!
I think Mr. Soong did correct, protect his staff, kick out the man of the restaurant and make all of us feel comfortable again. Mr. Soong smiled to us and apologised and I felt the nice ambiance again. To Mr. Soong, you did right! Thank you (sincerely)
To that man who create problem, I have this to say to you. A man of dignity, in front of his family, barking like a madman - in a classy restaurant? where is his pateince, understanding and gentleman attitude? just wait 15 minute.
You come to a nice restaurant, with your family, dressed, looking neat and tidy but yet you act like someone from Chow Kit Road. This confirms the saying "Form is temporary, Class is Permanant" and you sir, do not have class but try to act classy for a short time only. Please visit hawker stalls where you belong
In conclusion, I will still visit My Elephant in future, provided these people do not patron there again. The food here is excellent!
by Altantulga March 24, 2009 3:26AM
Used to be a fan of My Elephant. But after tonight, will never go back again. We made a reservation, but upon arrival, were told that our table is still occupied. Another customer encountered the same problem despite both parties (us and them) arriving on time for our respective reservations. Upon query, they were told (very loudly) that reservation means 'waiting list' and not necessarily that the table will be available for them as other paying customers had come earlier. The fact that this came from one of the supposed partners, Soong, suggested a blatant lack of understanding of simple restaurant business. Both parties whose reservations were turned into 'waiting list' walked away and we for sure will never go back.
by foodiecomment December 14, 2008 1:56PM
You must be logged in to post comments