Optimistically Cautious: Pan-Asian Goodness: Matahari

High Street is home to many untapped culinary adventures, at least for me. So I took a step in the right direction when May and I dined in Matahari (10108B - 124 Street) this evening.

Being early on a Tuesday, we were surprised that there were three tables of patrons already seated when we entered the restaurant. The decor is simple and soothing, with light green walls and a functioning koi pond in the centre of the dining room. Oddly-designed square booths line the main seating area, that would hypothetically fit six persons, but for ease of exit and entry could likely only comfortably fit four.

Spouting a "pan-Asian" menu, I expected watered-down cuisine heavily influenced by the Western majority, but I was pleasantly surprised. There were a few dishes (Singapore Laksa and Malaysian Rendang, to name a few) that I'd want my Mum to sample to determine the level of authenticity. Despite the many tempting options, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have their tofu Pad Thai (stir fried flat rice noodles with chives, egg, pickled radish, and bean sprouts in a tangy tamarind sauce topped with ground peanuts). May selected the Kerala Noodles (Indian stir fried vermicelli with peas, onion, egg, curry leaves, carrots, red bell pepper, in a tomato and soy-based sauce topped with cashew nuts and coriander). I also ordered a plate of Thai Curry Puffs to start.

The food took a little longer than I would have liked (not having eaten anything since lunch), so I was more than hungry by the time our appetizer reached us. But they were worth it - the puff pastry was flaky, filled with spiced beef with just the right amount of heat. The oyster sauce for dipping was a sweet accompaniment to the dish. The serving, however, was on the small side for the $4.95 price tag.

Our entrees arrived soon after, and I found the portions to be quite generous (I had enough left over for a good sized lunch the next day)! I had asked for mild seasoning, and it was exactly that. The chives and radish provided a nice crunch, while the tofu rounded out the dish quite nicely. I would consider Bua Thai's version slightly better, but Matahari's is less greasy and lighter overall.

I'd recommend Matahari, and will be back myself, perhaps once I've visited their neighbours.