Hidden within the iconic five-star Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers for its bell-curve shaped structure overlooking the beautiful Chao Phraya river in Bangkok is Thara Thong restaurant, a hidden haven of authentic Thai cuisine, stunning teak interior with elaborate upholstery reminiscent of Thai aristocracy, live traditional music and dance, and an unmatched hospitality Thailand is famous for.
Mieng Kam
Situated primely on the hotel’s ground floor by the riverside, diners are treated to a serene river view as boats cruise by while they eat and drink in the company of music. The floor seating (with cushions) and low tables set diners at ease and comfort, and the restaurant’s high ceiling and openness ensure the ambience is relaxing and cooling.
Satay Gai
While the restaurant sports a grandiose setting, the food is very much approachable and surprising unpretentious, albeit traditional and rich in local culture. Among various options is Satay Ruam Mitr is a traditional Thai pork, chicken and beef skewers dish served with peanut sauce, while Mieng Kam is a combination of grated coconuts, lime cubes, shallots, ginger, dried shrimps and crispy peanut wrapped in cha-plu leaves.
Yum Som-O Goong
Thai cuisine, like many other Asian cuisines, is centered around communal dining and platters are a common sight on Thai dinner tables. Ruan Phet consists of refreshing young papaya salad wrapped with thin rice paper and fresh shrimp, grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce, deep-fried crab meat with minced prawns and chicken, and flower-shaped dumplings with minced herbal prawn fillings. Diners who prefer heavier flavours can opt for Ruan Pae – grilled pork with aromatic garlic-lime sauce, deep-fried vegetable spring rolls, rice crackers topped with stir-fried pork and peanut mince, and fried shrimp ball with refreshing lemongrass sauce.
Yum Woon Sen Bo-Lan
The restaurant’s creative approach to adapt its cuisine to the ever-evolving tastes of its diners is evident in its mains. Rib Eye Wagyu Yang Jim Jaew features grilled 240-day grain-fed ribeye wagyu marble-grade 4 with tamarind dressing with steamed sticky rice served alongside. Another example is the Guay Tiew Pad Thai Lobster – wok-fried rice noodles with Maine lobster, bean curd, bean sprouts, preserved radish and grated peanuts.
Kao Niew Ma Muang
Desserts on the menu are surprisingly simple and features favourites across Thai society. Kao Niew Ma Muang is the world-famous mango sticky rice, while Tub Tim Grob is a refreshing option of ruby coloured water chestnut in coconut milk. Thara Thong restaurant is certainly a gourmet venue for royal Thai cuisine at it’s finest.
Cheesecake Cha Thai
ADDRESS:
30 Charoen Krung Rd Soi 30, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
PHONE:
+66 2 266 9214
WEBSITE:
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bkksi-royal-orchid-sheraton-hotel-and-towers/