Thiptara @ Peninsula Bangkok

On our last night in Bangkok, both of us agreed that we would stay in the hotel and enjoyed a quiet dinner at one of their restaurants. We have read about rave reviews on their Chinese restaurant, Mei Jiang, but since we already had Chinese food in Chinatown.. we passed and opted for their Thiptara Thai restaurant instead. This time we didn't make any plans and the decision was kinda last minute so we didn't make any booking.

We showed up at the reception at 6.30pm to enquire on tables next to Chao Phraya river but were disapppointed when they told us that all the tables were booked for the night. That guy (forgot his name) might have sensed our disappointment and therefore looked at the booking sheet one more time. He then promptly informed us that he could arrange one table (yay!) for us but politely reminded us that we could only have the table until 8pm as the guests were expected to arrive at that time. Since we hardly took more than 1 hour for dinner, we said YES!

The sun had already set and therefore it was not that hot and it was not long until the night fell and all the buildings were lit up brightly. Can you apot Jenn in the picture?

Complimentary marinated cashew nuts

While waiting for our dishes to be served, we asked the waitress to take a picture of us.

As the night fell, all the buildings across the river were lit up... revealing a breathtaking night scene from where we sat. Settings - f22, 15sec, ISO100! The result?

Refreshing concoction of lime & mint leaves juice

Khao Phad Thiptara (360 baht) - essentially the fried Jasmine rice with chilly paste, shrimp and salty egg. Being a sucker for fried rice.. I found this dish full of wok hei and moderately spicy. With a dash of lime juice, every bite was heavenly (at least for me). Jenn shared the same sentinent as I was...

However she felt no "kick" in the fried rice and asked for all available sauces from our attending waitress - she gave us 4 of them!

Phad-Phak-Ka-Nah Moo Grob (280 baht) - seriously without Engligh translation at the bottom of every dish, I would be scratching my head figuring out what the heck the dish was... wok fried kale with crispy pork!

Tom Yum Goong Mai Nam (440 baht) hit the jackpot! As usual, the soup has what I was looking for - spicy and sourish, fresh river prawns and distinctive lemongrass flavour.

Clear winner of the night belonged to this particular dish - Gaeng Phed Ped Yang or roasted duck simmered in red curry & sweet basil! The curry was thick, creamy and packed with all the required flavours. We could have ordered second helping of rice just because of this dish!

By the time we finished our dinner, I looked at my watch and it was only 7.45pm. Charged the dinner to my room and went back straight to our room. Actually we could have gone to the bar next to Thiptara for a glass of wine or two. The reason??? To enjoy the breathtaking view of Bangkok city from our balcony - settings f22, 15sec, ISO100! We even bought two bottles of Singha beer and some snacks while chatting the night away. Romantic?? You bet it is :)

Next post - Peninsula Hotel Bangkok!

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.

Ban Khun Mae - our very first dinner in Bangkok!

Going for a trip is always exciting! After going through the routine life of working, eating and sleeping.. a short break from all the hustle and bustle is always welcomed! It's what I always say - RECHARGE! However, what was supposed to be a relaxing trip turned out to be exhaustive as well. Why? Apart from Jenn's seminar, I have already arranged a day or two for some sightseeing as I didn't get to immerse myself in the history and culture of Thailand the last time I visited here with Thule's delegate. My plan didn't materialise and instead we went for a shopping spree in the famous Platinum Mall for 3 DAYS!!! Imagine the walking while carrying the spoils inside the 6-storey shopping mall (another new 5-storey extension mall had opened next to it).

Lucky for me, I still got to indulge in something which I love - FOOD!! A trip to Bangkok is not complete without sampling their traditional Thai cuisine. As a matter of fact, I have asked a friend of mine who used to live in Bangkok for a few years on where to eat delicious Thai food prior to this trip. He did point me to one particular restaurant which was located in Siam Square but he forgot its name. His direction was simple - take taxi/tut-tut to Novotel Hotel in Siam Square and the restaurant is located at 2 o'clock direction from its entrance.

The direction was simple and soon we were standing in front of this particular restaurant. A quick google revealed that this restaurant was opened in 1998 and to date, remained a popular destination for both locals and tourists who want to taste traditional and authentic Thai cuisine. Located in the heart of Siam Square, getting here is not easy as one have to go through the congested road in front of Siam Paragon.

The menu was simple with English description on all their food.

Something to quench the thirst - coconut and lemongrass drink (my fav!)

Som tam is a dish that I have never failed to order everytime I went to Bangkok. Thai's version of Caesar salad - I love som tam for its fiery reputation of being sour & spicy at the same time. Using shredded young papaya, tomato, anchovies, dried shrimp and lots of bird eye chilly.. I could eat this everyday without being bored! Ban Khun Mae whipped out a kickass version of somtam

Our appetite was instantly improved by the somtam and further enhanced by the tom yum goong. Prawns were generous and the soup had kick in it!

A simple stir fried vegetable to balance our dinner

Their red curry prawns won us over with the plump & juicy fresh prawns + thick & creamy red curry - a dish to be reckoned with!

However, their steamed fish with lime and chilly failed to make its mark! The broth was not sour enough to our liking even though the fish was very fresh. We had yet to find better version compared to the one we had in Krabi (Lae Lay's Grill)

Leo's verdict - our meal could easily feed 4 but both of us managed to finish all of the dishes like hungry wolves :P the price for their food was surprisingly not expensive despite located in one of the expensive area in Bangkok. to our delight, the service was fast and attentive even though the restaurant was packed that night. Our very first meal in Bangkok was satisfactory and we definitely recommend this restaurant to Thai food lovers. Opens from 11am till 11pm!

Ban Khun Mae Restaurant
458/6-9 Siam Square Soi 8, Rama 1 Road,
Patumwan District, Bangkok 10330
Tel. (662)250-1952-3, (662)658-4112-3
Email: contact@bankhunmae.com

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.