BY ZARINA ABDULLAH
Fans of authentic Thai cuisine should check out the Sud Yod Ka-Ta Thai BBQ and Steamboat Restaurant in Jalan Tabuan, Kuching.
This is the third restaurant that Alvin Foo, 31, and his partner Jeffrey Jee, 33, have set up in three years, with the first being Nirawan 9 Royal Thai Cuisine and the second, Thai Jai Modern Thai Cuisine.
“These three restaurants serve authentic Thai food with a wide range of menus available at Nirawan, Thai Jai combining Thai and western food menus, and Sud Yod serving authentic Thai food in the BBQ and steamboat concept.
“The main goal is to provide Bumiputera and Muslim diners in Kuching with a variety of halal authentic Thai dishes.
“We know there are many Thai food fans out there, but the Covid-19 pandemic has prevented them from travelling abroad, so we bring the original taste of Thai food here,” he said in a recent interview.
He added that Sud Yod (Sud Yod meaning good in Thai) opened in January and currently applying for halal certification.
A mixture of items meant for steamboat or BBQ. 
A mixture of items meant for steamboat or BBQ. 
Assorted steamboat dishes ready to be used by customers.
“This is because, according to the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), a restaurant can only receive a halal certificate after operating for six months to a year.
“But don’t worry, we don’t serve pork or alcohol. The majority of the staff here are Swinburne University marketing graduates who are Muslim.”
He went on to explain that the BBQ and steamboat concept was common in Thailand, and brought to Kuching, it was adapted to local tastes and served with beef, chicken, seafood and vegetables, as well as selected soups and the option to grill.
He said that at first, Muslim customers were wary, but after learning that it was operated by the same owner of Nirawan 9 Royal Thai Cuisine, which already has a halal certification, response was encouraging.
He explained that it was difficult at first to promote the idea of Thai food because society had a misconception that it was cheap street food.
“However, we want to introduce the idea of quality food with an authentic taste at ffordable prices,” he said, adding that a fourth branch in Mile 4 would open in June.
Food sets for two to three people start at RM49.90 (chicken) and RM59.90 (meat), family sets are RM89.90 and RM99.90, and deluxe sets are RM119.90 to RM129.90 for four to six people with the free addition of tomyam soup or chicken and vegetable herbs.
The most popular Thai dessert is mangga glutinous rice, which costs RM15 and is served with mangoes imported from Thailand.
At noon, there is the Tom Yum Mee Mama, a traditional Thai dish, priced at RM43.90 for four people.
The young entrepreneur said he wanted to have branches in the entire state and then introduce this Sarawak brand to the rest of Malaysia.
Those interested are advised to book in advance through WhatsApp at 013-3233350. It is open from 11.30am to 2pm and from 5.30pm to 10pm daily.
