Gin Long is one of the many busy restaurants situated on the increasingly interesting O'Connell Street. Despite not being a bar, Gin Long's cocktail menu is something of an eye-catcher. It boasts oriental styled cocktails ranging from Yellow Fever Daiquiris to Tom Yum Siams.
One of Gin Long's most appealing factors is the openness of the bar and kitchen. If you sit at the bar, they'll serve the drinks right in front of you- dinner
and a show.
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| Ho Chi Mint Mojito |
The Ho Chi Mint Mojito is a perfect marriage of sugar cane 'syrup', rum, and mint. Unfortunately it's sugarcane syrup not juice, so for some this may be too sweet. Mojitos are naturally refreshing, so it's not surpsising the Ho Chi Mint is a great addition to the Mojito family. In all honesty, this has to be one of my favourites that night.
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Tom Yum Siam
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I predicted the Tom Yum Siam to be something of a variation of the Bloody Mary. I expected a savoury cocktail (which would've been awesome), but it was actually quite sweet. The chilli gave it a unique kick not often experienced with cocktails... Except for the Bloody Mary actually. The lime leaves and lemongrass were amazing in this cocktail. This would have been arguable the best cocktail until you are unavoidably overcome by the 'mediciny' Malibu aftertaste. Considering that the Tom Tum soup does not traditionally contain coconut, I fail to understand why Gin Long include Malibu in this cocktail. It seems to bring out a bitterness and sickening sweetness you get from cough syrup.
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| Betal Leaf Cigar with Yellow Fever Daquiri and Tamarind-Orange Gin Long |
The Yellow Fever Daquiri looks more like a Sour with the foam, surprisingly served in a taller glass. I knew I would like this one because the mandarin citrus-ness and white rum (I assume) always work well together. The tamarind-orange gives it a sourness which I always enjoy and you really can't go wrong with gin. Served in a bubble tea cup, it makes me feel like ordering one to takeaway if I am simply out and about.
Now to the food.
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| Satay Chicken Skewers |
For starters we had a Betel Leaf Cigar, Grilled Chicken Satay, and Ramli Slider. The Cigars were probably my favourite but they were definitely on the salty side, just like the Ramli Slider. I don't generally like satays but this one was preferable over that served in other restaurants due to the addition of XO sauce. Overall, I wouldn't order the Small Eats again.
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| Lychee Duck Curry |
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Pomegranate Chicken
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Although Gin Long has nothing on Star of Siam, the Lychee Duck Curry was by far my favourite dish of the night. Sweet, not too heavy and surprisingly filling. The Pomegranate Chicken on the other hand was not my cup of tea at all. It was rich, heavy and overly sweet. The menu reads 'grilled chicken' but thenagain what's the point if you cover it with a sugary, sticky, sauce?
Food aside, Gin Long is worth visiting for the Asian spin on cocktails. I recomend asking the friendly bartenders to remove the Malibu from the Tom Yum Siam though. If I ever need a takeaway cocktail, I know where to go.
-C
