Rak Somtam

🍦 / Had one too many yummy Thai dishes with Burpplers at #raksomtam Thanks! #burpple

Rak Somtam is relatively new in the Malaysia food scene. Opened for about 4 months at the time of writing, the place is opened by a Malaysian and his Thai wife and aims to introduce thai food to the populace of PJU. Street food style. But of course, everyone's favourite attention catcher has got to be the coconut ice cream. I mean. What? Coconut ice cream? Non-Sangkaya? Whaaat? Will it taste as good as Sangkaya? Isn't that on everyone's minds?

But sorry folks, no room for comparison here, since I believe it caters to two totally different groups of people. Sangkaya's ice cream is rich and creamy in texture and goes for 4 scoops (ping pong ball sized) for RM 10.50.

Rak Somtam's ice cream however, spots a little coconut water and shredded coconut flesh in it and made with no stabilizer. Giving the coconut ice cream an almost snow-like crystalline texture which may or may not appeal to some. Cause you know... some people like it to be ice CREAM. And not ice snow... but it all comes down to the taste. Due to the way it's made, the ice cream is like fine snow and doesn't taste as rich as Sangkaya's, giving it a "refreshing" image. Topped with peanut, corn and nata de-coco, 5 scoops (ping pong size) go for RM 12.90.

So it does really come down to what type you are. Are you the heavy creamy, rich typr? Or the fluffy, fine, soft, subtle and refreshing type?

Ok fine. Not a thousand miles. But it did cost me 2 tolls and 22 minutes if driving, 5 minutes of traffic congestion and unfamiliar roads. But was it worth it? 😏 The pork neck is nicely flavoured, delicious even on its own. Juicy and tender, the fat and meat just work together in unison to keep each other moist. But wait. What's this? Dipping sauce? Yes. Go for it. Drown your pork slice in it. And people might not know this, but I actually like the neck meat more than the pork belly. Yes. Working at the butchers has thought me a lot. All in all, this relatively new place seems promising. BBQ Pork Neck with Seafood Sauce is priced at RM 26.90 and eat it with Thai Fragrant Rice (RM 3 for 2 pax) for a quick bite. Or go Thai communal style and order more and share.

Probably my favourite dish in today food tasting. 😍 #thelastporky #burpple

One step into Rak Somtam, and you'll be transported to Thailand. Not only does the decor boast authenticity, the food here is bound to hit the spot every time you crave a good Thai meal. The food here is great for sharing, and the setting allows for groups 8-10 to dine comfortably together. From something steamy and comforting like a bowl of hot and spicy tom yum (RM19.90) to a simple, flavour-packed Papaya Salad (RM12.90), you and your friends are up for a good meal! Don't miss their sinfully crispy Thai Prawn Cakes with Sweet Chilli (RM16.90) and their Braised Pork Leg (RM21.90) which is so tender that it falls apart at the gentle touch of a fork. Finish off with their coconut ice cream (RM10.90) for a perfect ending.