Siam Society (Singapore)

Much has been said about the rise of dining enclaves like Club Street, Keong Saik Street and Tras Street. Yet, unbeknownst to city dwellers, mini food streets are starting to blossom in suburban residential estates.

The bucolic Jalan Riang, home to rows of landed properties and numerous condominiums, is probably one of our favourite foodie neighbourhoods. While the single row of not more than 10 shop houses – many of which are still occupied by older non-food trades – does not offer much in terms of diversity, what it lacks in quantity is more than made up by the quality of its offerings.

Opened since November 2013, Thai bistro, Siam Society, is predominantly a family hangout spot for residents of the quaint neighbourhood, which probably explains why it’s packed to the gills on most weekend nights. They all come for lush and homey Thai fare cooked with the finesse of a tze char eatery but served in the air-conditioned comfort of a trendy bistro setting with concrete floor, rough brick walls and glass-wrapped floor-to-ceiling windows.

While the eatery is family-friendly, don’t come expecting watered-down Thai fare customized to the crowd of young families. Thanks to the team of four Thai cooks in the kitchen, the cooking at Siam Society veers closely to what you’ll experience in a Bangkok eatery.

Tongue-searing clear tom yum soup (S$10.90 for small/S$16.90 for large) strewed with squid and shrimps is guaranteed to clear the sinuses with its supremely hot and sour tones, yet packs a punch with balanced and light flavours.

The yellow curry prawn (S$17.90) stir fried with egg and onions is a standout and if you like it all saucy, its evaporated milk enriched gravy is perfect with a bowl of Jasmine rice.

Steamed seabass in chilli lime (S$31.90), which arrives lounging in a heady broth flavoured with fish sauce, palm sugar, fresh lime and Thai parsley, also gets our thumbs up, as does the immaculate Thai-style stir-fried kang kung (S$8.90) with lashings of red chillies and garlic chips.

There are other good dishes on the menu, not least the crusty deep-fried prawn balls (S$12.90 for 8 piece) served with a side of Thai sweet sauce and lemak-fueled green curry chicken (S$12.90) with succulent round Thai eggplant.

Budget about S$30-40 per head for dinner, which we reckon is moderate to good value for a neighbourhood joint.

If you’re planning on visiting over the weekend, good luck with parking.