Review

Sa-Nga, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Centara Reserve hotel is reached via a grand staircase, whilst the focus will be on the food, the views looking out over manicured lawns to the ocean are worthy of mention. The cuisine style is a unique offering of contemporary Thai tapas - mini-bites of classics given a subtle twist. There is both an a la carte menu, and a tasting menu priced for a couple but never the less offering exceptionally good value. Begin with elegantly presented appetisers of salmon with aromatic lemongrass chilli and skillfully executed lime caviar and soft-shell crab with roasted local pineapple and torch ginger flower, an interesting combo. Continue with soup, on the tasting menu, a choice of tom yum cappuccino or char-grilled squid in coconut milk with young tamarind leaves, both presented with precision. Main courses include signature red curry with pearlescent scallops, roasted pumpkin and crispy basil or lamb loin in yellow curry, with a surprisingly successful additional ingredient of creamy burrata. Finish with a contemporary take on mango sticky rice, with a fluffy rice custard mousse or a coconut pancake. The wine list has been helpfully curated with bottles listed by grape variety and several hidden gems, which perfectly compliment the cuisine.