Review

The dining room is set in a hand-carved teakwood pavilion overlooking the Chao Phraya, with the ambience of a Thai heritage museum. Guests dine at low tables with sunken seating on silk cushions, immersing themselves in tradition. On select evenings, the melodies of a khim and Thai flutes accompany graceful classical dance performances, enhancing memories of old Siam. The menu celebrates Royal Thai cuisine with dishes presented in traditional style. A steaming bowl of tom kha gai arrives fragrant with galangal, lemongrass and creamy coconut milk, a bright harmony of flavours. Yum som-o with crispy soft-shell crab bursts with juicy, tart pomelo and satisfying crunch served in carved pomelo skin. For main course rich beef massaman, features tender beef cheek simmered in an aromatic blend of spices and coconut, nodding to centuries-old recipes. Each plate is thoughtfully garnished, reflecting the restaurant’s proud commitment to tradition and presentation that continues with mango and sticky rice for dessert. The chefs at the helm are committed to staying true to original processes, particularly the cooking times of each component for the assembly of each dish. Warm, polished service ties the experience together with genuine Thai hospitality. In an era of culinary fads, Thara Thong stands out as a heartfelt ode to Royal Thai cuisine where nostalgia is savoured as richly as the food.