The plan was simple. We would go to Ah Yat Tian Xia at Orchard Central on its opening weekend to take advantage of its seemingly value for money premium sets (abalone and the likes). Alas, it was not meant to be as the place was fully booked. Not wanting to abandon our abalone plans, we settled for Rama Thai instead, which was also offering premium items at a discount.

The restaurant is located amongst a row of shophouses along the winding Tanjong Pagar Road. Decor is simple and reminds me more of a pub then a restaurant, but that may be due to the fact that there was a sizeable bar counter at the side. Capacity peaks at about 50 pax or so.

Australia Whole Abalone - The abalone was probably 8 head and quite well prepared if I may say. There wasn't the noticable raw taste that I personally dislike and carried lots of bite without coming across as too chewy or hard. The gravy didn't threaten to overwhelm either by being overly starchy.

Sharks Fin with Crabmeat - Apparently a signature of the restaurant (it's in the name), the soup was light without being too laden on the starch but could have done with a pinch less salt. The fins were decent size pieces (probably not dorsal fins) that came across as a wee bit too soft for my liking. The upside to it was the very generous portion size and the amount of crab meat that went into the soup. Decently nice and filling.

Asparagus with Prawns - The asparagus were of the larger variant, retaining its crunchiness by virtue of not being overcooked. Coupled with big, crunchy prawns and succulent mushrooms, I don't see anything to dislike about this dish.

Pork with Gingko Nuts - I liked this dish quite a fair bit. Simple yet tasty. The pork came in rather large slices and carried a mild chewy texture, dipped in light saltiness. The gingko nuts gave it a healthier connotation, not that they tasted bad or anything. Just a small lesser known fact that I thought I would share. Pork is actually white meat, not red meat as most people would think.

Rama Thai Fried Rice - A little too oily and bland was the first thought that came to mind after I popped a spoonful of rice into my mouth. However, credit has to be given for the mild wok hei (could have done with more though) that the rice emanated as well as the ingredients that went into the dish - cashew nuts, prawns and crab meat.

Birds Nest - There was a 1 for 1 promotion on the birds nest and we couldn't resist the temptation to treat ourselves with this sweet Chinese delicacy. Honestly, at $30/bowl ($15 after 1 for 1), I hardly think it was worth it. It was quite a small bowl and the nest came in bits and pieces, unlike the good quality ones which come in one huge piece. But as the old Chinese adage goes, 一汾钱一汾货, so no grouses.

See all my pictures here.

Last Sunday (27 July 2008), I was privileged to be invited to dine at Rama Thai. We ordered a sharksfin set for 6 (Set E - $368) plus 2 other dishes. Food was quite OK but not the service nor the dessert.

We were at our last dish - before dessert - and some of us were still eating when the staff came around to clear our table one by one - as soon as they see anyone 1 of us with our dining plate empty, they would immediately come over to clear that person's crockery and utensils (without even asking if he or she is done) even though there were still plates of unfinished food on the table. This was very annoying as that person may not be done with eating yet.

The time then was not even 9pm and there was only 1 other couple at another table. We thought it was near to closing time and asked what time they close. We were told that they close at 10pm. Then, what's the hurry?!?!? I was the last one to finish eating and guess what?! 1 waitress was already clearing my place as I was finishing my last bit, even holding my dining plate right under my nose, waiting for me to discard my prawn tail !!!

I was really shocked! I don't even get such atrocious service when I dine at coffee shops!

Lastly, the dessert ..... a pathetic plate of some slices of watermelon and honeydew which were not even sweet. For a set meal costing $368 for 6 persons (total bill was $500 plus), surely Rama Thai can afford to serve a much better dessert than a few slices of cut fruits costing only a dollar or two!