Good Old Classic Thai Dishes @ 87 Just Thai (Pasir Panjang), Singapore
Following my recent visit to Cowaramup Roadhouse, I found myself again in the Telok Blangah/ Pasir Panjang area. 8-year-old restaurant, 87 Just Thai, is located a 3-minute walk away from Pasir Panjang MRT. Over the years, 87 Just Thai has built up a loyal customer base, so much so that they have opened a second outlet at Killiney Road
Singha Beer $7
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Singha beer here. It’s quite rare in Singapore, as far as I know. If there is Thai beer, it’s usually Chang Beer. Since it’s so rare, of course I had to grab the chance to indulge in it .
It was surprisingly smooth and just a bit more bitter than European lager. Overall, it was extremely pleasant. I liked that 87 Just Thai gives you ice-cold glasses— they don’t neglect details.
Homemade Thai Fish Cake 4pcs $8
Very well made. The fish cakes have got little starch in them so you get an intense umami from the fish and none of that sleepy, lethargic sugar rush from mediocre, starchy fish cakes.
Papaya Salad $6
It is sweet, sour, tangy, everything a papaya salad should be.
Thai Vermicelli Salad $8
Ok, here’s a confession: I have never ordered vermicelli salad before. I have always thought, wouldn’t it just be a starchy clump? How can it be delicious?
But it was. First of all, it was a warm salad. That was novel for me. Secondly, vermicelli is also known as “glass noodles”. They are made from mung beans. They are firm and are not starchy, unlike noodles made from wheat or rice flour.
Overall, the salad was very light (and not at all starchy).
Tom Yum Soup (Red) $8
Prawn, Seafood or Chicken
87 Just Thai offers 2 types of Tom Yum soup — clear and red. “Clear” would be more sour. “Red” would be sweeter.
Yes, it is sour, spicy, sweet, filled with generous chunks of fresh seafood.
Pandan Fried Chicken
This is one of 87 Just Thai’s original dishes. Imagine chunks of chicken which resemble Popeye’s tenders. Even the breaded crust resembles and tastes like Popeye’s tenders. Inside, the white chicken has a very mild coconut milk-pandan fragrance. They are not greasy at all and do not give you that sickeningly sated feeling after eating them.
The boss tells me his customers tell him that his Pandan Fried Chicken is better than KFC. I agree.
Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns $14
This classic dish makes no missteps. It is sweet and savoury (from the dark soy sauce) and peppery.
87 Just Thai does not claim nor pretend to be an innovative/ Michelin star restaurant. They excel in good old classic Thai dishes. Looking at the prices, the value for money is outstanding.
Dining at 87 Just Thai is a straightforward, uncomplicated affair. I wholeheartedly recommend it
87 Just Thai
87 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118510
Tel: 6473 3396
