If you frequently visit Pantai Indak Kapuk (PIK), surely you realize that that the restaurant turnover in this area is very high. Many restaurants are closed and then open another new restaurant. But there is Ying Thai, a restaurant that still exists over the last 6 years in restaurant flooded Pantai Indah Kapuk.

Ying Thai is a Thai restaurant located at Ruko Crown Golf, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta. This restaurant was quite spacious and I love their simple interior design with a touch of Thai ornaments. Their spacious area makes it a perfect place for a birthday party, small gathering, or private event with a group of friends. A little twist of playfulness from the mural illustration making it not only a good family restaurant but also for the younger generation to dine and date here as well.

They lasted this success in tight competition with other restaurants in the neighborhood certainly can’t be separated from the quality of their food. Their menu is dominated with Thai cuisine, it is authentic with a little twist of adaptation to the local’s palate which I personally like it.

Pork Knuckle

You just can’t visit Ying Thai without trying their signature Pork Knuckle. OMG, this is heavenly delicious, the extremely juicy and tender meat inside is wrapped by a crispy and crunchy skin. It also perfectly fried and well seasoned. If you’re a pork lover, Ying Thai’s pork knuckle is a must try!

Crispy Pork Kailan

It’s a combination sauteed kailan with crispy pork belly. It tastes savory and a little bit salty while the crispy pork was crispy and juicy.

Tom Yum Talay

Tom Yum probably the most popular Thai food. It’s quite hard to find a good Tom Yum in Jakarta, but this Tom Yum seafood from Ying Thai is one of the best in town, honestly said. The soup was incredibly flavorful, spicy, and tangy. You really need to have it while it’s searing hot. The seafood is also fresh and generous, just look the prawn in the photo below.

Pad Thai Seafood

This is also one of the best dishes in Ying Thai. Unlike the authentic Pad Thai that I’ve tried in Thailand, Ying Thai’s version has a richer flavor and bold seasoning, more savory and saltier. Maybe they adapt to the Indonesian’s palate but I personally like it.

Fish Head Curry

Honestly, I don’t like fish head curry but I have to admit that their curry sauce is really good. The fish head itself is generous and perfectly pair with the red curry sauce which has a hint of sweet flavor, just like Indonesian gulai.

Red Curry Seafood

This is a bowl of red curry with seafood and vegetables. The curry sauce is thick and has a bold flavor, but it just so-so and not special for me. I still prefer the fish head curry than this.

Gai Hor Bai Toey (Thai Chicken in Pandan Leaves)

Every time I visit a Thai restaurant, this is the menu that I always order. The marinated chicken wrapped in Pandan leaves and deep fried altogether. The benefit of using Pandan leaves is to have the aroma and essence of the Pandan leave on the chicken so the chicken could be more fragrant and flavorful. I love how they cooked it in a good temperature leaving the chicken to be completely tender, not greasy. Flavor-wise, it’s a good balance between sweet, savory and smokey.

Beef Ribs

I don’t really know why they serve beef ribs since it’s not a Thai dish. The portion is generous and the seasoning was good, rich of herbs flavor and dominated by sweet soy sauce. The beef is tender in some part, but it tough at the other parts.

Spicy Chicken Wings

This is the newest menu from Ying Thai, the fried chicken wings coated with spicy, sweet, and sour sauce. Beware of its spicy kick!

Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)

Thai dessert that can’t be missed is mango sticky rice. It’s a perfect dessert to clean my palate, the mango is sweet but honestly, I expect a more fresh mango and a bigger portion to worth its price tag.

Ma Cheum (Cassava with Coconut Milk)

Another famous Thai dessert is cassava with coconut milk. The cassava is moist and soft, it perfectly paired with sweet and savory coconut milk.

Overall, Ying Thai serves a wide variety of Thai dishes and from all foods that we’ve tried, mostly yummy and tasty. I have to admit that Ying Thai is one of the leading Thai restaurants in the neighborhood and I will come back for sure.