Fi Woodfire Thai Ignites at Shaw Centre with Bold New Flavours

When a beloved restaurant relocates, there's always that moment of trepidation – will the magic transfer to the new space? I'm delighted to report that Fi Woodfire Thai's move to Shaw Centre has bought with it a fresh energy that perfectly complements their distinctive culinary approach.

Stepping into their new home, you're immediately struck by the cosy, relaxed atmosphere that radiates from the open kitchen design. It's a warm and inviting concept that allows diners to witness the theatrical dance of flames and skilled hands working in harmony. The staff greet you with those wonderfully warm, authentic Thai smiles that make you feel genuinely welcomed – it's clear this team understands that hospitality is as much about heart as it is about technique.

What sets Fi Woodfire Thai apart from the crowded field of Thai restaurants is their commitment to fire-focused cooking. While you'll still find beloved classics like pad thai and papaya salad, the menu leans heavily into the smoky, charred flavours that only open-fire grilling can deliver. It's a refreshing departure from the curry-heavy menus we've come to expect from Thai establishments.

Our culinary journey began with two standout starters that immediately demonstrated the kitchen's creative flair. The chilled watermelon with Tom Yum fish floss was a unique combination – the cool, sweet fruit providing a perfect canvas for the complex, umami-rich fish floss. But it was the famous Son-in-law eggs that truly captured my attention. These aren't your ordinary hard-boiled eggs; they're transformed with a glossy strawberry tamarind glaze and crowned with crispy shallots, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy and textural elements.

The papaya salad remains a firm favourite, and rightly so. The beauty lies in its customisable spice level – whether you prefer a gentle tingle or a fiery kick, they'll tailor it to your preference. Fresh papaya ribbons mingle with cherry tomatoes and long beans, creating that signature refreshing quality that makes this dish so addictive.

Of course, no Thai meal would be complete without Pad Thai, and their seafood version is exemplary. The noodles achieve that elusive perfect texture – not too soft, not too firm – while the flavours build in layers, each bite revealing new depths of taste.

But the real showstopper is undoubtedly the wood-fire oven, where culinary magic happens before your eyes. The Half French Poulet emerges beautifully charred and succulent, while the signature Moo Ping rib is indeed mouth-watering. This premium pork rib, paired with chargrilled sticky rice cake, coconut sugar glaze and Nam Jim Jaew, represents everything Fi Woodfire Thai does best – traditional techniques elevated with contemporary flair and serious attention to detail.

The meal concluded on a high note with two exceptional desserts. The Mango & Butterfly Pea sticky rice presented a gorgeous palette of colours and complementary flavours, while the Sweet Tapioca with coconut gelato offered a refreshing, creamy finish that cleansed the palate perfectly after such a flavour-packed meal.

Fi Woodfire Thai's Shaw Centre location proves that sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what's needed to elevate an already excellent concept to new heights.