Long Chim, which mean “come and taste” in Thai, is a casual upscale Thai restaurant helmed by renowned celebrity chef David Thompson.
The internationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur and cookbook author has crafted a tantalizing menu that combines mouthwatering roadside eateries and vibrant street markets of Bangkok with contemporary flavours.
Chef David Thompson is an Australian chef who specializes in Thai food. He rose to fame after his Thai restaurant in London, Nahm, received a Michelin star in six months after opening and it went on to garner awards such as the 5th place in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 and 28th place in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The entrance to Long Chim is decorated with a huge picture depicting the vibrant street market in Bangkok complete with bright red plastic stools that looked so real I almost sat down on one.
The colourful lounge bar at the entrance of the restaurant serves Thai-inspired cocktails such as Tor Kor Mule and Thaisteenie.
The main dining area of Long Chim is decorated for a relaxed atmosphere with wooden tables and chairs. The strips of Thai vintage floor tiles that run through the wooden flooring gives the restaurant a rustic feel.
I was worried that Long Chim, a restaurant in Marina Bay Sands where some of the most expensive restaurants are and opened by a celebrity chef, will have exorbitantly high prices, but I was pleasantly surprised at the wallet-friendly prices. Starters are priced $10-$20 while the rest of the dishes are all within $10-$44.
Long Chim also has a Maa Long Chim Set Menu where you get to have a starter, main and dessert for $69++ per person.
Happy hours are from 12 pm to 8 pm daily, where Thai-inspired cocktails such as Tor Kor Mule and BPK are sold at $10++, two of the most popular Thai beers Chang and Leo are $10++ a pint and wines are priced at $14++ a glass.
Dried Prawns Ginger Toasted Coconut [$16] is a tasty starter where dried prawns, sliced ginger and toasted coconut are mixed with a sweet and spicy sauce and served in betel leaves. The slight bitterness from the betel leaves goes well with the rest of the ingredients.
We were recommended by the staff to try Yam Pak [$23] which is a salad of Thai fruits and vegetables. It looks innocent enough, just be careful not to bite on the chilli seeds.
In Long Chim, pass upon the normal beef satays and go for the Wagyu Beef Skewers [$16] instead. The wagyu beef is marinated and grilled with cumin, coriander and turmeric. The meat is tender and the flavour is indescribably delicious.
I have no idea why this dish is called Chinese Broccoli [$26] when it is definitely kai lan, perhaps there was a shortage of Chinese broccoli and the chef had to improvise. Stir-fried with thick oyster sauce and sliced roasted pork with wok hei that is the hallmark of an outstanding chef.
Green Curry of Kampong Chicken [$28] is much thicker than the other green curries that I have had. Kampong chicken is leaner than regular chicken but the meat is just as tender. Creamy and aromatic, this curry is best eaten with a plate of steaming white rice.
Deep Fried Whole Sea Bass [$44] is the most expensive item on the menu, but it is well worth the money. The sea bass is huge, measuring almost as long as my arm. The fish is so well fried, you can eat almost every part of it, even the bones. Served with three flavoured sauce, it is sweet and sour with a hint of spiciness.
Mango Sweet Sticky Rice [$14] is one of the most well-known Thai desserts. I like that the sticky rice is thoroughly cooked yet retains a little chewiness. The mango is totally ripe and really sweet. Served with coconut milk, Long Chim’s version does not disappoint.
Banana Roti [$16] is one of the newest additions to the dessert menu. There is nothing spectacular about the ingredients which is basically sliced banana wrapped in a flatbread that is known as roti prata in Singapore. What I like about it is the crisply charred roti and the addition of coconut sugar to give it a fragrant sweetness.
The prices are reasonable, the staff are attentive and knowledgeable, I highly recommend Long Chim if you are looking to sample some delicious Thai food in a classy yet relaxed atmosphere.
Long Chim
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands #02-02
Telephone: 66887299
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm; Friday – Sunday 12pm – 11pm