SINGAPORE – In the bustling Central Business District, lunchtime sees long queues for popular choices like fish soup and protein bowls. These dishes have become staples for many office workers seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
For those looking to break free from their usual routine, Im Jai by Pun Im presents an exciting alternative. This newly opened casual restaurant is located in Icon Village and offers a fresh take on classic Thai cuisine.
The restaurant’s set meals are crafted with care, featuring traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Chef Vincent Pang, a 38-year-old Cordon Bleu-trained culinary expert, is the creative force behind these offerings.
Chef Pang also runs a private dining business called Pun Im, where he showcases his innovative approach to cooking. At Im Jai, he brings the same level of expertise and passion to every dish.
With its unique menu and convenient location, Im Jai by Pun Im is quickly becoming a favourite among those in search of something different for lunch. It’s the perfect spot for cubicle dwellers eager to add a touch of adventure to their midday meal.
He has crafted a menu that is both simple and appealing, featuring five carefully curated set meals. Each of these meals is priced at an accessible $16.80, making it easy for diners to enjoy a variety of off-flavours without breaking the bank.
Among these options, the Im Jai Bento Set stands out as an exceptional choice. It offers the best value for both your wallet and your taste buds.
What makes this set truly remarkable is its diverse array of dishes. It includes rich green curry chicken and tender braised pork belly. A pomelo salad with prawns adds freshness and zest.
The set also features coconut kaffir lime rice, which pairs beautifully with the other components. To top it all off, there’s a green peppercorn chilli relish accompanied by raw vegetables for dipping.
It’s impressive how Chef Pang maintains such quality and variety at this price point.
The aromatic rice serves as an ideal foundation for the green curry, which surprises me with its milder flavour than anticipated. This gentle curry, rich in coconut milk and infused with subtle notes of lemongrass and kaffir limeharmoniseses beautifully with the rice, creating a comforting and satisfying base.
In contrast, the pomelo salad provides a vibrant burst of flavour. Its heat is invigorating, packing a spicy punch that awakens the palate. The tanginess from the fresh citrus complements the spiciness, creating a refreshing and bold combination that stands out on the plate.
To balance these flavours, the braised pork offers a soothing counterpoint. Tender and succulent, it is seasoned with ground coriander that lends an aromatic depth to the dish. The slow-cooked pork melts in your mouth, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort that mellows the intensity of the salad.
Together, these elements create a harmonious and well-rounded meal. Each component enhances the others, resulting in a delightful culinary experience that tantalises the taste buds.
An outstanding option on the menu is the Claypot Vermicelli with Black Tiger Prawns. This dish features two impressively large and succulent prawns, perfectly cooked to highlight their natural sweetness and tenderness. These prawns are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds.
The star of this dish, however, is the supremely aromatic tang hoon, or vermicelli. The noodles soak up the rich, flavorful broth, which is enhanced by a blend of coriander root, ginger, and white peppercorns. These ingredients work in harmony to provide a complex and invigorating oomph to the dish.
Coriander root adds a fresh and earthy aroma, while ginger imparts a warm spiciness that complements the prawns beautifully. The white peppercorns contribute a subtle yet distinctive heat, elevating the overall flavour profile. Served in a traditional claypot, this dish not only delivers on taste but also offers an authentic dining experience.
After enduring the intense heat, there’s nothing more refreshing than indulging in a delightful dessert. I chose the Red Ruby, priced at $9.80, which offers a perfect blend of flavours and textures. The highlight is the smoked coconut sorbet; it’s creamy yet light, with a subtle smokiness that adds an unexpected twist.
Vibrant strips of jackfruit accompany the sorbet. They bring a natural sweetness and a tropical flair to the dish, perfectly complementing the sorbet’s coolness. The springy jelly noodles add another layer of texture, making each bite an intriguing experience.
The combination of these elements creates a dessert that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly refreshing. If possible, I’d gladly purchase tubs of the smoked coconut sorbet alone. Its unique flavour has left a lasting impression, making it a standout component of this delicious treat.
Where: 01-78/81 Icon Village, 12 Gopeng Street
MRT: Tanjong Pagar
Open 11 am to 88 pm(weekdays), 11 am to 2 pm (Saturdays), closed on Sundays.
Info: @imjai.punim (Instagram)
Delivery Considerations for Restaurant Food
- Whyq Specialised Service: Whyq specifically focuses on hawker food delivery and may have better coverage for specific centres
- Delivery Fees: Typically range from $3-8 SGD, depending on distance and platform
- Food Quality Concerns: Some hawker dishes don’t transport well (soup noodles, crispy items)
- Bundle Orders: Some platforms allow ordering from multiple stalls in the same hawker centre
- Delivery Timing: Peak meal hours may see longer delivery times from popular hawker centres
- Minimum Order Requirements: Some hawker stalls have minimum order amounts for delivery
- In-Person Experience: Many food enthusiasts believe the authentic hawker experience requires dining in person
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritising individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.
Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has carved out a distinct identity through its unwavering commitment to providing a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.
What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.
Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialized mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritized every step of the way.