Imperial Group is also getting into Thai food? I tried their new spot in BSD for you—the good and the bad
qponx
2026-02-25
Craving Thai food? The famous Imperial Group has opened a new spot in BSD's Eastvara Mall, and here's the scoop. It features a chill, retro ambiance perfect for photos. The Green Curry and Pandan Chicken are standout hits, delivering rich, authentic flavors. However, be mindful of the smaller-than-expected portions for the price and potentially inconsistent service during peak hours. This review breaks down whether this trendy new restaurant is truly worth the hype.
Friends, you know the feeling? When I heard the famous Imperial Group[1] actually came to Tangerang BSD to open a Thai restaurant, my DNA was instantly activated! On one hand, I was thinking, "A big group should be reliable," but on the other, I was skeptical. Could they really pull off that authentic Sawasdee Ka flavor? Without further ado, I rushed straight to Eastvara Mall to check it out for everyone.
The flavors are on point, but these dishes are the GOAT!
The moment I walked in, I was captivated by the ambiance—it's so Chill![2] The retro Thai elements paired with unique, warm yellow lighting create an immaculate vibe, perfect for coming with friends to Nongkrong and taking photos. For the food, I went straight for their signature dishes:
- 绿咖喱 (Green Curry)[3]: The best dish of the night! Promise me you'll order this, okay! The curry sauce is rich and creamy, full of aromatic spices. I could die for it mixed with rice—it's a total carb killer! Mantap! 👍
- 香兰叶鸡 (Pandan Chicken)[4]: This one also deserves a shout-out! The chicken is incredibly tender, with all the juices locked in by the pandan leaves. The flavor is so unique.
- 冬阴功汤 (Tom Yum Soup)[5]: The sour and spicy flavors are powerful and very appetizing. However, my friend felt their bowl tasted a tiny bit bitter towards the end. Maybe the quality control is still in its adjustment period? For friends who can't handle spice, you can ask the waiter for a less spicy version[6].
Let's be real: The cons and what to avoid
Okay, after all the praise, it's time for some real talk. For my personal taste, their Pad Thai[7] was a bit too sweet. People with a sweet tooth might love it. Another point of complaint is the portion size... Honestly, for the price of 60-70k rupiah for a main course, the portions are indeed a bit delicate[8]. If you're dining with a group of guys, you might have to order a lot to get full.
Service is also a bit hit-or-miss. The guy who served me was very enthusiastic, but I've seen comments about people experiencing extremely slow service, even an Anjay situation where the rice arrived half an hour after the dishes[9]. I guess they might be understaffed during peak hours, so just manage your expectations.
A Lazy Person's Guide, You're Welcome
Finally, here are a few practical tips for you. Remember to like and save! ❤️
- 1. Go during off-peak hours! This place is a new internet sensation, so it gets super crowded during meal times. If you want to eat comfortably without waiting in line[10], it's best to go in the afternoon or on a weekday.
- 2. Hunt for promos first! They often have various promotions[11], like mall collaborations that give out vouchers and stuff. Just ask before you pay, you might save enough for a cup of bubble tea!
- 3. Best photo spot: I recommend the booth seats by the window. The lighting is the best, and the background is a retro wooden lattice window, guaranteeing great photos.
- Green Curry: Rich, creamy, and aromatic. God-tier over rice—a carb lover's dream! [1]
- Pandan Leaf Chicken: Unbelievably tender, with juices sealed in by the leaves. A unique flavor and a foolproof order. [2]
- Retro Thai decor & warm lighting create the perfect vibe. Super photogenic spot for Nongkrong with the girls—let's go! 🦆 [3]
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