WITH OUR heads leaning back at full tilt, we gazed at the expansive foyer area of the new Dusit Thani hotel. And when our eyes return to the horizontal position we were greeted with a welcoming bow to Benjarong, the hotel’s Thai restaurant.
At our table we soaked up the mellow, traditional yet modern décor whilst we refreshed our fingers with a cool hand towel; good preparation for the heat wave that was about to ignite our senses.
While exploring the lavish menu we were treated with a delicate spring roll appetiser, which encouraged our palate to go ‘spicy’ for the evening.
Striking the match of the heat wave was our Thai beef salad – Thai spice was our chosen degree of heat, and it certainly delivered.
Erupting with flavour, the dish delivered a vibrant punch of chili power yet managed not to overrule the crunchy-fresh salad and tender beef strips.
Our guest opted for the chicken and beef satay sticks. Marinated in traditional spices and from the size of the portion, designed to share, we left a few pieces to save room for the main course; both meats were tender and succulent and were left only because there was too much for our tummies to handle.
Along with our friend, we soothed the spices away with a chilled mocktail. We didn’t have to wait long for our main course. Pad Thai chicken arrived for our companion and its presentation was something to behold. Elegant and far too inviting, it was difficult for our dinner companion not to dig in straightaway. With a gentle kick of warmth, the embers of the spice fire were cooler than the previous course. Not to have two dishes with such high heat, we asked chef Yongyos Chimthep to make our Thai green chicken curry have a gentler tingle on our tongue. He delivered perfectly. This dish has made our Top Three green curry’s list!
Pleasantly full, there was still enough room for a dessert to share. With this being our guest’s favourite course we were lucky to sample the sweet at all! Fried banana accompanied with vanilla ice cream. The temperature contrast teased our taste buds for one last time that evening.
Chimthep and his team have managed to induce the true flavour of Thailand into this divine dining area. A great introduction to the city, Dusit Thani has certainly struck whilst the food is hot!
