A Taste of Thai @ SALA Phuket Beach Restaurant

 Whether you are seeking a romantic dining experience or just wish to enjoy the al fresco setting in a spectacular location that evoked a semi-formal dining room, albeit outside undercover but enjoying the balmy tropical evenings. The Beach Restaurant SALA Phuket Resort is one of the most captivating locations you could imagine, mylifestylenews writes……

The dining pavilion is laid out very simply, so that every table can look out toward the beach and sea beyond. What is captivating about this setting is that you have the swimming pool directly in front providing a reflecting surface in the evenings.

There are a variety of table settings, with tables for two at the front and tables for four behind, plus some banquette settings from four or more. It is the simplicity of the setting that is heightened by crisp white table cloths, candlelight and cozy ambient lighting.

The adjacent bar with large day bed setting to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset.

The elegant setting of the Beach Restaurant by the Resort main swimming pool.

We were interested in the Thai Seafood tasting menu portioned for two people instead of the Western menu, as it is a great way to sample as many different flavours as possible and dine the local way by sharing all the food on offer. Thus we started our Thai taste journey with a Tom Yum Talay - a daily market seafood in a clear prawn broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chili paste, more like a Ton Yum Goong per se. This was a medium spicy soup with great complex flavours infused by the multiple fresh ingredients used.

The tasting menu doesn’t come course by course but is served by a large platter of five small individual dishes beautifully presented: Goong Tord Kratiem – Tiger prawns deep-fried and dressed with garlic/black pepper sauce; Poo Phad Pong Karee – Beef stir-fried with yellow curry powder, coconut milk and sweet peppers (it was originally crab but we swapped to the beef); Gaeng Kiew Waan Goong Magon – Rock lobster in a rich, mild green curry flavoured with kaffir lime leaves, galangal, palm sugar and Thai basil; Pla Meuk Phad Prik Thai Dum – Squid stir-fried with black pepper, oyster sauce, onions and sweet peppers; Phad Phak Kana Nam Man Hoi – Kale stir-fried with soy sauce, water mushrooms and deep fried garlic.

Do not underestimate of the size of the dishes as these six mini portions are enough to satisfy for two regular people who just want as much food such the evening. What a pleasure of riches to be had with such a combination. While Thai food regular practise is meant to share your order, hence, we took each dish slowly as there was so much to be enjoyed individually. We could not question one flavor or ingredient as they were all expertly cooked with a passion that was evident on the palate. A triumph of flavours.

Given the variety of the previous platter, we ordered one of their signature dishes Phad Thai as an add-on from our set menu to see if the kitchen could execute this quintessential dish and we were not disappointed. A seemingly simple combination of ingredients was elevated to a serving of riches that delights us.

Nothing really will go wrong by having the classic Thai dessert, Mamuang Khao Nieau – mango and sticky rice, everyone’ s favourite dessert choices any time in Thailand. The halved mango and sticky rice drizzled in coconut cream as well as a smaller bowl with coconut ice cream and a chocolate brownie on the side, you think this looks pretty straight forward, but what a surfeit of riches. This was a classic dessert that lived up to its reputation and had us salivating until the last grain of sticky rice and the scoop of ice cream. It couldn’t be faulted.

When you choose to stay in a luxury resort, you don’t always know what the Food & Beverage will be like and while it may not be at the forefront of your mind when booking a trip, it is always at the forefront of our mind, because you can waste a lot of time and resources looking for alternatives needlessly. The SALA Phuket will have you delighted in their kitchen resources and create destination dining on your doorstep all day, every day, so that you can’t wait to sample another section of their wonderful menu. Bon appétit!

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4/5

Design & Decor: 4.5/5

Food & Beverage: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Value For Money: 4/5

Experience: 4/5

Highlights:

Phad Thai
Mamuang Khao Nieau

SALA Phuket Beach Restaurant

333 Moo 3, Mai Khao Beach

Thalang District

Phuket, Thailand

Tel: +66 76 338 888

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.