Kin Kao Mai Thai Restaurant Sembawang

“Kin Kao Mai?”, a familiar Thai phrase meaning “Have you eaten yet?”  is more than just a question. It’s a warm invitation rooted in Thai culture, one that I experienced firsthand during my visit to Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro at their Sembawang Yacht Club branch. 

Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Johor Strait bordering Malaysia, the evening offered more than just authentic Thai cuisine. 

From the open dining area, the sunset skyline painted the horizon with breathtaking colours, making the meal even more memorable.

View from Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro

While waiting for our dishes, nothing beat a chilled glass of lemongrass drink in hand. Light, fragrant, and subtly sweet, it was the perfect refresher to cool down from the lingering heat of the afternoon sun.

Lemongrass Drink - $4.80

The first dish to arrive was the glass noodles with seafood, a savory, flavor-packed plate that immediately caught our attention. The noodles were springy and well-seasoned, tossed with plump prawns, squid, and vegetables. What stood out were the charming star-shaped carrot cuts, adding a playful touch to the presentation. The vibrant colors made the dish as visually enticing as it was delicious. Every bite was a delightful mix of textures and umami, truly satisfying.

Fried Glass Noodles with Seafood - $14

Next came the Seafood Tom Yum Soup served in a less spicy version, yet no less flavorful. The broth leaned toward the sweeter side, striking a comforting balance between tangy and aromatic. It was incredibly addictive, especially with the generous portion of plump, succulent prawns that soaked up all the zesty goodness. Each spoonful warmed the soul without overwhelming the palate, making it perfect for those who enjoy tom yum with a gentler kick.

Seafood Tom Yum - $15

We also had the Breaded Thai Fish Cakes, a plate of four golden, crispy pieces that were just the right size for sharing. Each bite revealed a springy, flavorful interior, rich with herbs and spices. Dipping them into the accompanying sweet plum sauce added a lovely contrast of sweet and savoury, making the experience totally indulgent. Simple, satisfying, and undeniably tasty.

Thai Fish Cakes - $12

The Deep-Fried Chicken Wings with Thai Herbs were a hit as well. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, they were infused with the aromatic depth of Thai herbs that added an extra layer of flavor. Each wing was satisfying and well-seasoned , a great finger food that paired perfectly with the rest of the meal.

Deep-Fried Chicken Wings with Thai Herbs - $10

The Crackling Pork Knuckle was another standout , perfectly deep-fried to a golden brown with a shatteringly crisp skin that lived up to its name. Hearty and bold, it was a great addition to our spread and ideal for sharing.

Crackling Pork Knuckle - $30

The Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Sweet Chilli Sauce was thoughtfully prepared, the fish was already portioned into battered, bite-sized chunks, making it incredibly easy to enjoy without the hassle of bones. The sweet chilli sauce was mild and complemented the crisp, golden exterior without overpowering the delicate flavour of the fish. It was a well-executed dish that balanced convenience with taste.

Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Sweet Chilli Sauce - $35

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll by the water and stumbled upon a quirky surprise, a tree adorned with a pair of oversized rolling eyes. Its playful look made it instantly Instagram-worthy, standing cheerfully against the scenic straits and twilight sky. It was the perfect light-hearted end to an already delightful evening at Kin Kao Mai Thai Bistro.

Playful Tree

Kin Kao Mai Thai Restaurant Sembawang
Location: Sembawang Yatch Club, 43 Admiralty Rd West, #02-01 Singapore 759962

Nanyang Dao 南洋岛 @ Sunplaza

Congrats to Nanyang Dao on the opening of their 7th outlet, now located at Sunplaza! Head down to enjoy their latest launches, alongside their classic and signature dishes that have earned them a loyal following. Whether you're a fan of their timeless offerings or eager to try their newest creations, this new location promises the same delicious flavours that Nanyang Dao is known for. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in their authentic culinary delights!

Nanyang Dao @ Sunplaza

With Nanyang Dao having just launched during the first week, it has already attracted snaky queues, highlighting its immediate popularity. The cuisine seems to be a big hit among diners, as similar crowd scenes have been observed at other Nanyang Dao outlets. 

Dining Area

We couldn't resist those adorable iced beverages, particularly when the coffee comes with a bear-shaped ice cube sitting at the top of the glass. As the bear slowly melts away, it adds a charming touch to the drink, gradually infusing the coffee with a bit of extra flavour as it sinks into the room-temperature beverage. It’s a delightful and playful way to enjoy a refreshing drink!

Bear Iced Coffee 小熊冰镇咖啡 - $4.80

The Iced Milo Dinosaur certainly has its own charm, looking like it's enjoying a “mud bath” in the glass. The rich Milo powder on top gradually mixes into the drink, creating a fun and visually appealing experience. Sipping down the drink and watching the Milo powder blend into the glass jar adds a playful touch to the enjoyment, making each sip even more satisfying.

Iced Milo Dinosaur 美禄恐龙抗狼 - $5

Be sure to grab some of their handcrafted local souvenirs, such as pastries, coffee, and lapis, available at the section in Nanyang Dao. These artisanal items make for great keepsakes or gifts and allow you to enjoy a taste of local craftsmanship and flavours. Whether you're picking up a sweet treat or a unique coffee blend, these handcrafted souvenirs are a wonderful way to remember your visit.

Handcrafted Local Sovenirs

Even though I’m not a fan of sambal, I really enjoy petai, and it seems these two often come together. I find myself picking out the petai over the prawns. The unique flavor of the petai, despite its occasional pairing with sambal, is a highlight that makes the dish enjoyable for me.

Sambal Petai with Prawn 臭豆参巴炒虾 - $15.80

The oyster omelette turned out quite well. The oysters were plump and juicy, adding a nice texture and flavour to the dish. It was a satisfying and tasty option, enhancing the overall experience.

Fried Oyster Omelette 南洋蚝蛋 - $12

The Fried Rice Goreng Berempah is a standout dish featuring fragrant fried rice topped with fish roe. The highlight of the plate is the berempah chicken, which is deeply fried to achieve a perfect balance of spice and aroma. This chicken retains its juiciness while delivering a rich, flavorful experience with every bite. The combination of the savory fried rice and the aromatic, crispy chicken makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Fried Rice Goreng Berempah 南洋炸鸡腿炒饭 - $12.90

The Beef Hor Fun with Creamy Egg Sauce is a delicious new addition to Nanyang Dao’s menu. The portion is generous, with ample Hor fun noodles and tender beef slices. The star of the dish is the creamy egg sauce, which is sweet, rich, and utterly addictive. Its smooth texture coats the noodles perfectly, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that's sure to be a hit with diners looking for a satisfying meal.

Beef Hor Fun with Creamy Egg Sauce 滑蛋牛肉河粉 - $12.90

Grabbing a box of their hometown pineapple tarts is a great choice! The box contains 20 pieces (10 packets), with each packet sealed for convenient consumption.

Homemade Pineapple Tart

The pastry itself is delightful—nicely balanced with a filling that isn't overly sweet or sour. It offers a pleasant taste that makes it a perfect snack or gift.

Pineapple Tarts

Nanyang Dao 南洋岛 @ Sunplaza
Location: Sunplaza, 30 Sembawang Dr, #02-15, Singapore 757713
Nearest Station: Sembawang (NS11)
Website