Like my fellow Zomato reviewers, Joe K and Ronnie Lui, Adam and I were invited to try out Gala Thai at West End. With the rush up to year end, we were busy running errands throughout the morning in the city and made our way there for a quick and enjoyable lunch before continuing on with our quests. Situated along boundary street, it is a quick stroll from the city, which I imagine would have been quite refreshing had it not been for the heat. Seating was split both indoors and outdoors with the outside seating getting the midday breeze whilst indoors was air conditions. There is no question of where we chose to sit.
Our friendly waitress then introduced herself and the menu. Ordering was done via touch screen tablet. Compared to other places which allow ordering via touch screen, I particularly liked this one as it had the option of adding notes to our selection if variations are required, which was a very convenient touch.
Our drinks came promptly, we were particularly appreciative of this given how hot it was. What we got was fairly standard, next time we're back we will definitely try the more specialty drinks like coconut milk.
Our starters started to arrive quickly after. This was the satay chicken skewers which were served with a side of pickled carrots. I liked that the sauce was served on the side so we could add just the right amount as we saw fit, the sauce itself was a sweet nutty concoction which added the soul to the dish. The chicken was a breast cut rather than thigh which has a superior texture and was well marinated with herbs and spices, infusing deep into the meat.
Our other entree was the Peking Duck pancake. These came premade and wrapped up ready for us to eat. The pancake was thin and soft, there was an ample amount of hoisin sauce in each wrap, giving the parcel some added flavours which were further accentuated by the sourness of the crunchy pickled cucumber and carrot. The duck inside the pancake though was a fairly thick slice with considerable amount of meat under the skin. Compared to ones we've had at Chinese restaurants, the duck was served slightly chilled, the skin wasn't overly crispy but the meat was well marinated. 
Our mains came soon after we were finished with entrees.
We both had white rice as coconut had sold out the night before, not wanting to overload ourselves we conveniently requested half portion of rice in both bowls, texture was spot on for fragrant Thai jasmine rice, which is what my mum usually makes at home every night.
Adam's choice of main was the Gai Yaang Chicken. A traditional Thai dish that involves barbecue grilled chicken with lemongrass and fish sauce it was meaty whilst still fresh and tangy. I liked dhte crispy onion sprinkles on top and how the chicken was complimented by the refreshing crisp side salad, but wish that the chicken was a little more caramelised.
My choice of main was their very popular, signature Duck Tam, a cut of roast duck breast served with crispy salad. Like the duck from the peking duck pancake, it was well seasoned throughout the meat and also brushed with hoisin sauce for flavour. I liked that there was minimal fat content in between the skin and the meat which I really enjoyed, especially as it was served heated. Again it was complemented by the tangy crisp salad, making for a very light and enjoyable dish over summer.
Speaking of summer, no meal would be complete without a chilled dessert (for Adam anyway, who would die without desserts). This was their yuzu sorbet, served with a side of mango. It was extremely refreshing with a lightly sour citrus taste to it, the peanuts added texture and the mango gave it some extra sweetness, making for a wonderful way to conclude a delicious meal.
Espresso and Matcha were invited guests of Gala Thai, but as always, our opinions are solely our own.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Environment: 7/10
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