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Kuala Lumpur

Asia

Malaysia

# Boat Noodle – Authentic Thai Noodles in Kuala Lumpur
Boat Noodle is a popular Thai restaurant located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, known for its unique take on traditional boat noodles. This eatery, situated in the Empire Damansara area, offers a cozy yet modern ambiance that attracts a younger crowd. With bowls priced at RM1.90, it has become a trendy spot for noodle enthusiasts looking to indulge in a variety of flavors. Despite its popularity, the restaurant has received mixed reviews regarding service and food quality, highlighting both its appeal and areas for improvement. The establishment aims to provide an authentic Thai dining experience, making it a noteworthy destination for both locals and tourists alike.

## History
### The story of Boat Noodle
Boat Noodle originated from Thailand, where it is traditionally served on boats along the canals. The concept was brought to Malaysia to introduce locals to this unique dining experience. The restaurant's vision was to create an accessible version of this beloved dish, allowing patrons to enjoy authentic Thai flavors in a casual setting. Over the years, Boat Noodle has gained a following, particularly among younger diners eager to share their experiences on social media.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in Malaysia as a franchise of the original Thai concept.
- Gained popularity quickly, especially among the millennial demographic.
- Expanded its menu beyond noodles to include various Thai dishes and desserts.
- Developed a strong online presence through social media marketing.
- Faced challenges with service quality and food consistency, prompting management to address customer feedback.

### Cultural and local influence
Boat Noodle has played a significant role in popularizing Thai cuisine in Malaysia, particularly the concept of small, shareable portions. The restaurant's unique approach has influenced local dining trends, encouraging other establishments to adopt similar models. Its presence has also fostered a greater appreciation for Thai culinary traditions among Malaysian diners, blending cultural influences and creating a vibrant food scene.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant continues to uphold the tradition of serving boat noodles while adapting to local tastes. By maintaining the essence of the original dish, Boat Noodle aims to provide an authentic experience while also innovating its offerings. The establishment regularly updates its menu and decor to keep the dining experience fresh and engaging for repeat customers.

## Community
### Community involvement
Boat Noodle actively engages with the local community through various initiatives, including partnerships with local food bloggers and influencers. By hosting tasting events and promotions, the restaurant fosters a sense of community and encourages feedback from its patrons. Additionally, it participates in local food festivals, showcasing its offerings and connecting with a broader audience.

### Community notion about the place
The community perception of Boat Noodle is mixed. While many appreciate the affordable pricing and unique dining experience, others have expressed concerns about service quality and food consistency. Despite these criticisms, the restaurant remains a popular choice for those seeking a casual and trendy spot to enjoy Thai cuisine. The establishment's commitment to community engagement has helped maintain its relevance in a competitive dining landscape.

### Events and gatherings
Boat Noodle hosts various events throughout the year, including special promotions and themed nights. These gatherings often attract large crowds, providing an opportunity for diners to experience the restaurant's offerings in a festive atmosphere. The establishment also encourages group dining, making it a popular choice for friends and families looking to share a meal together.

## Offerings
### What Boat Noodle offers
Boat Noodle specializes in traditional Thai boat noodles, offering a variety of flavors and options for customization. The restaurant's menu features both beef and chicken options, with choices between dry and soup noodles. In addition to its signature dishes, Boat Noodle has expanded its offerings to include other Thai favorites, such as rice dishes and desserts, catering to a wider audience.

### Dining and food experience
Dining at Boat Noodle is designed to be a casual and interactive experience. The small bowl servings encourage diners to order multiple bowls, allowing them to sample different flavors and share their meals with others. The ambiance is lively, with a modern decor that complements the vibrant flavors of the food. Despite the mixed reviews on service, many patrons enjoy the unique concept and the opportunity to indulge in a variety of dishes.

### Events and packages
The restaurant offers special packages for groups and events, making it an ideal venue for celebrations and gatherings. These packages often include a selection of dishes at a discounted rate, allowing guests to experience a range of flavors without breaking the bank. Boat Noodle also promotes seasonal events, where limited-time offerings are introduced to keep the menu exciting and fresh.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy and modern interior design
- Open kitchen concept for transparency
- Limited seating capacity for an intimate dining experience
- Takeaway options for convenience
- Engaging decor featuring Thai cultural elements

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Boat Noodle highlight a range of experiences, from enthusiastic praise for the flavors to criticisms regarding service and portion sizes. Many diners appreciate the affordability of the noodles, while others express disappointment over the small serving sizes and inconsistent service quality. The restaurant's popularity has led to long wait times, particularly during peak hours, which can detract from the overall experience.

### Compliments and strengths
- Affordable pricing for a unique dining experience.
- Flavorful broth with a variety of options.
- Trendy atmosphere appealing to younger crowds.
- Engaging concept encouraging social sharing.
- Strong online presence and community engagement.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- Mixed reviews on service efficiency and staff attentiveness.
- Inconsistent food quality, with some dishes receiving higher praise than others.
- Small portion sizes may not satisfy larger appetites.
- Long wait times during peak hours can affect the dining experience.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Boat Noodle presents a unique and affordable option for those interested in Thai cuisine. While it has garnered a loyal following, the establishment faces challenges in maintaining consistent service and food quality. Diners are encouraged to visit during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the experience and sample the various offerings.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Boat Noodle is located in the bustling Empire Damansara area of Kuala Lumpur, specifically at Jalan PJU 8/8, G3A, Petaling Jaya, 47820. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its trendy cafes and restaurants, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts. Visitors can explore nearby attractions, including shopping malls and entertainment venues, enhancing their overall experience in the area. The restaurant's central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Boat Noodle serve** Boat Noodle specializes in Thai cuisine, particularly boat noodles.  
**What are the operating hours of Boat Noodle** The restaurant typically operates from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.  
**Is there a vegetarian option available** Boat Noodle primarily offers meat-based dishes, with limited vegetarian options.  
**How much does a bowl of noodles cost** Each bowl of noodles is priced at RM1.90, making it an affordable choice.  
**Can I make a reservation at Boat Noodle** Reservations are not typically accepted, as seating is first-come, first-served.  

## Visit Boat Noodle Today
Boat Noodle invites you to experience the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine in a casual setting. With its unique offerings and community-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great spot for friends and families to gather and enjoy a meal. Despite some mixed reviews, the restaurant's commitment to providing an authentic dining experience makes it worth a visit. Come and discover why Boat Noodle has become a beloved destination in Kuala Lumpur!

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We always frequent this place because it is somewhat secluded so if you go in the mornings it's usually empty. But the service is just horrible. They're lazy and always mess up our orders. Went there recently and one of them was grunting at my mom because she was complaining that our food came later than the other groups when were the first one there. Instead of apolgising he made faces and showed he was annoyed. I would avoid this place if you can, but I have to say it's easier to eat here since it is secluded.

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To be honest, I was sorely disappointed with this outlet. This was one of the first boat noodle outlets to open in KL and I finally got to try it minus the long queue. I had to wait for 5 minutes for a table eventhough I noticed there were empty tables that could easily squeeze two. Even after I got to my table, the waiters were standing around without bothering to clear away the previous diner's dishes till I had to call them. That already put me off as service was inefficient. This boat noodles serves no pork so you're only left with the option of beef or chicken. Menu was slightly difficult to understand as there were hardly any translation. The broth as this place was a little too sweet and spicy for me, it was as though both flavours were fighting against each other instead of complimenting. I also ordered a minced meat with rice and egg dish which is a common thai dish but it did not wow me away as there were not enough herbs used to enhance the flavour as compared to other thai establishments. Prices are relatively the same as other boat noodle places. With the terrible service and not so impressive food, I won't be back.

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A bowl of noodles for less than RM3 is something that hard to find nowadays in Klang Valley today. When I was told that a noodle shop at Empire Damansara has them, I drove immediately there to see what is the catch. At first, i did not understand what is boat noodles until I went in the eatery. I was puzzled why were the bowls so small. Less than RM3 for a small bowl of noodles? I was curious and ordered 4 bowls to begin with. Being a big eater, I took me one and a half mouth full to finish a bowl. Feeling rather unsatisfied, I ordered 8 more bowls. After the fifth one, I started to feel a little uncomfortable. My greediness took control of my decision making. I finished everything, not wanting to look like a loser (ego haha) but had difficulty keeping awake at work. It is one off experience, I wouldn't mind going there again but I need some time to get over the 12 bowls I had first.

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I find that the trend was a bit of a way toooo overatted. And it does seem like not many people know of its existence of a boat noodle branch here. Hence why, not many crowd as compared to other branches. Or maybe I was there too early? Not sure :) Well speaking of the quality.... Hmmmm i seriously think that their portion can be more.... generous. The pictures over the net are really quite deceiving. Yes when i first entered the place I do smell the aroma of the noodle's broth. It was quite tempting! The selling price was at RM 1.90 per bowl and i find that it does look like some marketing gimmick there. Lol so small it does seem like its RM 1.90 per mouth. If i need 10 mouths to be full that's like RM 19 bucks. Not cheap leh! So yeah to me, trying it once will be enough to be in trend to keep up with these local food topics. To come back, I'll consider about it hahahha :)

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If you're a big fan of Thai food, then you'll love Boat Noodle in Empire Damansara! Hailing all the way from Bangkok, this upmarket restaurant is modern and spacious on the inside and is popular amongst the younger and trendy crowds. Expect to see long queues and wait up to an hour to get your fill of their 1.90RM bowls of noodles. With only a selected few items on the menu, the ordering process is simple and straightforward. I would recommend that if you have a medium appetite like me to order at least 4 bowls of noodles as each bowl is a tiny portion and can be finished in literally 2 mouthfuls. I've tried both the chicken and beef noodles and they were both very tasty with the right amount of saltiness in the broths (although when I tried the chicken it was slightly more salty). Order a drink from the small drinks list to go with your bowls of noodles. The best way to eat this is to slurp everything down in one sitting and leave satisfied. It is a fairly small space with a maximum of only 25-30 seats I would say, so order takeaway if you can't be bothered squeezing into a small space. Definitely worth trying this - even if for just the experience!

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RM1.90/bowl Boat noodle is infamous for their noodles! DUH. Boat noodle serves the infamous thai dish in-land as compared to their boaty-origins. Recently, the establishment has expanded their menu beyond noodles and their delicious pandan dessert. They now serve full meals like chicken rice and salads. The establishment is decorated with classic soft drink advertisements printed on metal, photos of Thailand and also some road signs. The wooden tables and chairs are handmade and with the decorations gives off a very authentic Thai atmosphere. Unfortunately, the establishment faces a sanitary issue. The tables, chairs, menu and cutlery are greasy. Also, there are a lot of flies. The service is mediocre at best. Their hired help can either be really helpful or be completely ignorant, either a hit or miss depending on your luck. The queues are really long during peak hours so if you'd wanna give it a go I'd recommend visiting during off-peak hours

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Disclaimer alert: I do not like this place. I am never a huge fan of gimmicks, and as I entered the already full restaurant, all of the humans presumably coming just from the word of mouth in the social media alone, I am instantly repelled by the small sized 'boat noodles' that they serve. Being one of the main reasons why anyone will ever visit Empire Damansara in the first place, Boat Noodle is a trend that really exploded when social media started to churn out pictures of various people stacking up bowl after bowl of noodles. With its price being RM1.90 and a bowl of noodles being two to three strands of noodles, it is pretty obvious why you will even need to stack it up in the first place. By the time my share of boat noodle(s) came, it was near to ice cold, and I find it too powdery for my own taste. It was a mistake for me to even leave my stomach empty in the first place; perhaps eating half a loaf of bread will be sufficient for you to have a cheaper lunch/dinner, as you will find yourself eating bowl after bowl after bowl, with the bill increasing with the amount of bowls on your table. You will love this place if you are a vain human whose only vision is to eat as many bowls as possible and post it on Instagram, hoping to entice more followers to follow you. Otherwise, avoid this restaurant, as you will find both your stomach and your soul disappointed by the sheer mockery of the servings. P.S: If you really want a taste of 'boat noodles', I would suggest a trip to Bangkok and have a proper bowl of that. The size of the real thing is three times the size of the gimmicky one here, and probably will cost you three times lesser too.

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Witnessing the long queue on weekends, I visited on a weekday that still had some crowd but 10 minutes of lining was all it took. The setting on the inside is really cute, with wooden and recycled tables and stools that was nostalgic and fun. As some of the tables are long and joined, you may have to sit aside strangers which is completely okay, like how it was in school, right? As a first timer, we ordered a decent amount of 2 bowls per type, chicken and beef, dry and soup, totaling of 8 bowls at RM1.90 each. I couldn't help but to snicker at how tiny each bowl was as we made room for our small table that was running out of space. Each bowl literally is two mouth fulls (one if you have a gigantic mouth) and yet it is so packed with flavor! Besides the really tasty broth, you have one chicken ball and some shredded chicken, half a ball if it is beef, some beansprouts, spring onions and coriander leaf. The dried ones came with a slice of lemon. On your table is of course the mandatory seasoning of chilli flakes, fish sauce, sugar and seasoned soy which you spice according to your liking. We ended up eating a total of 19 bowls for the two of us and spent about RM40+ including drinks. I must say that it is really tasty and the aroma of the rich broth is sniff-able across the hallway. I observed the systematic working environment of the open concept kitchen and can't help but to wonder if it would be frustrating to repeat the notion at such a small-scaled amount! Ps/ This is one those places you try and not visit when you are starved and in need of some real food.

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When this place started their business my Facebook feed was filled with people and their stacked up bowls. I was shocked by the amount of noodles my friends ate. Being curious, I went to try some myself too. The queue was crazy because i was there on a weekend. After waiting for so long, of course I must have as much bowl as I can too. Actually, each bowl only contains a spoonful of noodles. Hmm.. Interesting. That explains how people manage to stack 20 bowls. The boat noodle comes in two choices of meat (beef or chicken) and two choices of noodles (dry or soup). After tasting it, I prefer their chicken dry noodles. It was indeed quite fun to stack up those bowls to see how many bowls you can handle. But it will only be a one-time experience for me because it is a little too costly to get full here. Each bowl costs RM1.90 (just a spoonful) and I need 12 to 15 bowls to get full.

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Boat Noodle is not something new for me because I've always been to Thailand before but it seems most of the Malaysians love it. Since this is a Thailand franchise, so I guess I have to compare it with the noodles that I had when I was in Thailand. I don't know whether they got other branches here in Malaysia but I went to the Empire Damansara since I saw too many people went there and uploaded their photos and their noodles. RM1.90 per bowl ? It may sounds cheap if you are not use to typical Thai noodles. I know the small portion is appropriate as the price also small in number, but sometimes I think the portions are too damn small. It sounds like the noodle cost me RM1.90 per spoon. Not per bowl. Thai cuisines are famous for their generous portions. I've tasted a bowl of Thai noodles with three times of Boat Noodle's portion that just cost me 100Baht per bowl. As for the broth, it is quite tasty and full of hearbs. There are coconut+pandan kuih talam that cost RM 1 for two pieces. If I need to get again, it must because of the kuih talam. Not for the noodle

Discover Boat Noodle in Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya—an authentic Malaysian restaurant offering delicious, flavorful dishes. Visit now for a memorable dining experience.

Boat Noodle in Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya - Malaysian Restaurant

Petaling Jaya

Boat Noodle

Discover the authentic flavors at Boat Noodle in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy signature dishes, refreshing drinks & more. Visit us at Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana.

Boat Noodle Experience - Delicious Food & Drinks in Kuala Lumpur

Learn about Boat Noodle in Kuala Lumpur. Experience our rich flavors, friendly atmosphere & prime location at Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana. Your taste adventure starts here.

About Boat Noodle - Authentic Malaysian Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours for Boat Noodle, Kuala Lumpur. Find opening hours for Boat Noodle at Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana on Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana.

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