PLU at Goodwood Park Hotel: Michelin Bib Gourmand Thai restaurant from Bangkok opens in Singapore

You no longer have to fly to Bangkok for a taste of PLU. The popular Thai restaurant, which has been featured on Thailand’s Michelin Bib Gourmand list since 2018, has officially opened in Singapore, taking over the former Alma by Juan Amador space at Goodwood Park Hotel earlier this February.

My birthday celebrations are usually centred around exploring new restaurants, and every year my friends crack their brains trying to find somewhere new that I have yet to visit. This year’s pick turned out to be perfect because I have been craving spicy food lately, and PLU delivered the kind of bold Thai flavours that instantly transported me back to Bangkok.

Lunch started with the Khao Khluk Kapi (S$39), and honestly, this dish alone already made me excited for the rest of the meal. The elaborate rice salad is tossed tableside almost like a colourful Thai-style yusheng, made with shrimp paste fried rice, sweet pork, dried shrimp, raw onions, shredded green mango and coriander. The flavours reminded me slightly of glutinous rice dumplings because of the deep savouriness from the shrimp paste and sweet caramelised pork. Every bite had a mix of sweet, salty, tangy and herbal notes, while the caramelised pork belly was the clear standout for me.

The Beef “Massaman” Curry with Sweet Potato and Nuts (S$39) was another comforting dish. The beef was beautifully tender and absorbed all the rich spices from the curry. Compared to the sharper and spicier curries commonly found in Thai restaurants, this leaned creamier and nuttier with gentle warmth from the spices. The sweet potato added natural sweetness while the peanuts gave extra texture.

Their Shrimp Pad Thai (S$29) was so good that I kept going back for more. It had that addictive sweet-savoury balance that a good Pad Thai should have, and the noodles were coated in a rich eggy flavour that made everything extra fragrant. The prawns were plump and juicy too. If seafood is not your thing, there is also a Pork Rind Pad Thai (S$27) version available.

The Clear Seafood Tom Yum Soup with Holy Basil (S$35) was seriously shiok. Bright, spicy and intensely aromatic, the soup packed all the flavours I crave in a good tom yum — sourness from the lime, heat from the chilli, and fragrance from the herbs. The holy basil gave it an extra punch that lingered nicely after every sip.

We also ordered the classic Stir Fried Minced Pork with Holy Basil (S$24). While it was enjoyable and comforting with rice, I have to admit this was probably the least memorable dish of the meal. Considering Singapore has many casual Thai eateries serving equally satisfying versions at a lower price point, this did not stand out as much compared to the other dishes here. The Stir Fried Baegu Leaves with Egg (S$22) was simple but comforting, adding some balance amidst all the rich and spicy dishes.

Dessert options here are fairly limited, and honestly, they are not exactly the main highlight. The Mango Sticky Rice (S$15) came with mangoes that were slightly under-ripe and a little sour for my liking. However, the Bua Loy (S$12) turned out to be my favourite dessert of the afternoon. The chewy glutinous rice balls paired beautifully with creamy coconut milk, avocado bits and a drizzle of salted caramel. It was comforting without being overly sweet. We also tried the Guava & Plum with Yogurt Ice Cream dessert, which definitely woke up my senses — very sour, very refreshing, and probably something sour plum lovers would enjoy more than me.

There are still several signature dishes I have yet to try, including the Thai-Style Braised Pork Belly with Five-Spice Eggs (S$32), Burmese Tea Leaves Salad (S$20), and Blue Crab Betel Leaves Curry (S$35). Honestly, the meal already convinced me that I will be back again for a second round.

Another thing worth noting is that PLU carries the Thai SELECT Signature certification, a prestigious gold seal awarded by the Royal Thai Government to recognise authentic and high-quality Thai cuisine overseas. That authenticity definitely comes through in the flavours here.

If you have been missing proper Bangkok-style Thai food with bold spices, herbs and comforting flavours, PLU is one restaurant worth checking out — no flight ticket required.