The logo at the entrance and on the menus for the South East Asian restaurant Sontaya, located on the beachfront at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, is a fiery sunburst.
But it is the English translation of this Thai word that holds the key to enjoying this gorgeous restaurant.
Sontaya means ‘sunset’, and it is as the sun goes down rather than when it sits high in the sky that this outlet really comes into its own; as a venue perfect for a romantic evening with that special someone, it is hard to top.
Invited along to sample chef Boripat Peerapong’s creations, myself and a colleague were seated by the attentive and helpful restaurant manager Le Hoang Vu.
Starters arrived, and immediately set the standards for what was to follow. The Sontaya summer roll incorporated fresh vegetables and rice noodles wrapped in rice paper, with crispy prawn tempura and a fish sauce reduction. The flavours and texture melded beautifully, but the Vietnamese beef jerky that also arrived pipped it marginally for excellence. Dry beef striploin served with green papaya pickles and sticky rice, every bite was a delight.
The main courses served up were just as inventive and flavoursome; steamed seabass fillet, sous vide corn fed chicken roll, aswell as a sample of deep fried roast duck and tiger prawn in sweet and spicy chili sauce options.
All options were superb, but the duck proved to be the conclusive favourite on the table, dark and delicious flavours with succulent tender meat – peerless.
The meal was topped off by a Mung Bean Tart, another traditional concoction given a fresh twist by chef Peerapong, that came with homemade Thai tea ice cream. Indulgent but wholly justifiable.
The St. Regis has a gorgeously evocative outlet here, enhanced by an inventive menu, with immaculate execution and flawless presentation. Unreservedly recommended.
Matt Ross
DETAILS
What: Sontaya
Where: St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Cost: Appetisers AED 25 to 70 , mains AED 60 to 245, desserts AED 20 to 40
We say: Breathtaking location matched by stunning cuisine and service
Contact: 02 498 8888
