Thai food is one of the world’s great cuisines and if any chef allows the food to have a voice, it is always the traditional dishes that resonate when the kitchen has not tampered with the raw ingredients and let the food speak for itself. Phra Nakhon in Capella Bangkok not only found it’s niche to delight your fussy taste buds, the culinary elevation by bringing the genuine generations of refined true Thai flavour is second to none. mylifestylenews writes.
Two years ago, we were fortunate to stay at the Capella Bangkok to discover this beauty of the Thai Orient and were incredibly impressed with everything that we experienced, from its historical and scenic locale to the hotel facilities and room amenities, not forgetting its award winning restaurants - the understated luxury and sophistication of the hotel is now named #1 in a worlds top 50 hotels list. While such acclamations tend not to go into too much detail, we can vouch for the fact that their Food and Beverage is worth more than just a visit to find your own very way to be coddled and cosseted. After a two year hiatus we were once again more than excited to be able to make a return visit to savour and immerse ourselves in Phra Nakhon that has its hallmarks of a genuine true Thai taste.
Named after what was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam of Phra Nakhon si Ayutthaya province of Thailand, Phra Nakhon not only evokes the memories of old Siam but also pays homage to rustic recipes handed down through generations suitably delighted with their humble tribute to the profusion of indigenous ingredients procured from passionate farmers and fishermen.
Phra Nakhon has a prime Chao Phraya riverfront location, which many restaurants cannot lay claim to. Set in almost a “glass house” extension of the adjacent main building in a modern and contemporary setting, the day and night ambience is entirely two different atmospheres to enjoy. The day time allows you to embrace the entire restaurant setting with contemporary rattan cushioned arm chairs and the white marble table top inside out of the restaurant to the shaded and charming courtyard looking out directly to the Chao Phraya river that brings a sense of quiet luxury and elegant touches to the entire ambience.
The graceful and tasteful large flower arrangement set in the back foyer leading to the back entrance of the restaurant towards to the riverfront courtyard is always a delightful touch to brighten up the whole area through the floor to the ceiling high glass windows that illuminates the entire dining area blissfully.
The evening mood is more intimate with the dimmed lighting inside out adorned with hanging tree lights that adds a sense of romanticism to the whole area with the soft gentle breeze wafting from the riverfront for a more restful dining experience.
The open kitchen is set and allocated on the main entrance hallway, with lots of fresh and colorful produce, ingredients and condiments neatly displayed on the white kitchen bench which is rather inviting and already tempting your craving on what’s to be ordered before being ushered to the table. Expect to see the wok flame in action in a not chaotic way and witness the mise-en-place preparation on the spot as well as the final touch on the food presentation before it goes out to service. The kitchen clearly had not fallen prey to fancy menus and presentations and just let the food be ‘au natural’, which we always love to see.
Since its opening, Phra Nakhon has been helmed by Chef de Cuisine Kannika Jitsangworn who is never tired to explore the bounty of the Thai Kingdom in pursuit of the freshest ingredients through her long-standing relationships with farmers and fisherfolk. Her passion for cooking was developed in her childhood home in Ratchaburi province and her meticulous eye for detail comes from over two decades of cooking Thai Cuisine at renowned hotel kitchens around the world with authentic recipes and traditional flavours from the south of Thailand.
With her elevation of the already exotic Thai taste, the exquisite vast crafted menu has everyone's favorites to explore and to savour the mouth-watering Thai taste as well as some of the almost forgotten flavours that has been brought back to life. By exploring the digital menu from the given tablet, the navigation is easy but the decision to have your final order is not. As much as we love all the favourite menu items, there are a lot to choose from, so the decision making was still hard, but needs must……
<Yum Soon O Pla Fu>
(Pomelo Salad)
With a combination of crispy fried oiliness white snapper fish floss topped with seasonal and juicy pomelo, the kaffir lime leaf and cashew nuts served with betel leaves and Phra Nakhon citrusy dressing with a hint of sweetness is utterly refreshing, crunchy and flavoursome and piques the palate for what is to come…..a must order to set the taste buds alive!
<Yum Nuea Yang>
(Beef Salad)
Grilled marinated free-range beef striploin salad with cucumber, tomatoes, spring onion, celery, onion and chilli. The free-range beef is the key ingredient, as it is so tender and perfectly char-grilled. It is on the spicy side, but so authentic and generous in portion and fully embodies what a Thai beef salad should be. You may choose the heat level to your liking, and we suggest a medium to high spicy level would elevate the complexity of the entire fresh ingredients used and the savory from the grilled beef with a good mouth full. A totally moreish dish!
(Hot and Sour Soup)
After two refreshing and detectable salad dishes, a classic Thai Tom Yum Goong to follow is an absolute no brainer. This traditional hot and sour soup of jasmine rice stock base cooked with a giant size halved river prawn and home-made chili paste that exhibits the classic Tom Yum soup criteria: clear flavours, unapologetic sourness, bold spiciness and distinct saltiness. Superior quality ingredients are used here to complement such a harmonious dish with just the right spice level. Aroi Mak!
<Pla Ghao Rad Prik>
(Deep-Fried Grouper)
An entire whole Grouper fish deep-fried and cooked with a great combination of sweet and spicy chilies, shallots, garlic, coriander and crispy hot basil. This is what you call the dancing fish presentation and delivers on all fronts – a superb fish expertly deep-fried to the desired crispiness and drenched with the perfect seasoned sweet and spicy sauce with just the right balance of unforgettable flavours as well as its presentation.
(Deep-Fried Squid)
Seafood dishes are another all time favorite on Thai menus. A huge chunk of squid being deep-fried to its light crispiness and wok-fried with garlic, chilli and lime sauce to give that extra aroma added onto the squid is simply one of the best snackers and can also be served as a main dish on its own. The squid was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. Another added bonus to this dish is the thoughtful topping of the squid roe with a squeeze of the fresh lime gently washing over the intense palate. The crispy garlic and chili is the key to the whole flavour spectrum and texture. Simply sensational!
<Gaeng Phed Ped Yong>
(Duck Curry)
Grilled marinated free-range duck breast in red curry with cherry tomatoes, pea eggplants, Thai basil and seasonal fruits (pineapple was used for our order). Another triumphant execution with the most delectable tender flesh, light crisp on the skin, curry that has a spice coating, creating such unctuous flavours on the palate. It is the tastiest curry ever, which amounts to a combination of perfection. The colour and presentation of this dish will have your taste buds salivating with delight. What a winning dish!
<Gaeng Tepo Moo Grob>
(Crispy Pork Curry)
Crispy! Crispy and CRISPY! Premium quality Kurobuta pork belly was chosen to elevate this light and delicious yellow curry with kaffir lime fruit and tamarind paste that sits on a bed of stir-fried morning glory that is to die for. If you love crispy crackling pork, this is not to be missed, as this is the crispiest and most tender pork you will ever taste. While it may appears simple on its presentation, so much expertise goes on behind the scenes in the kitchen to bring out such a delightful flavour. Unmissable!
<Phad Thai Goong Mae Nam>
(Fried Noodles with River Prawns)
Everyone knows Phad Thai and everyone loves Phad Thai and everyone has their own preference of Phad Thai. This is a premium version of Phad Thai that has your moneys worth for its quality produce, which is bold and delivers the most loveable flavour of Phra Nakhon which is second to none. This quintessential Phad Thai Goong Mae Nam with the freshest and springy river prawns not being overly grilled and delivered with the smoky, firm yet juicy flesh of the giant prawns which are the ‘cherry on the top’. Many chefs overdo this dish, but this is spot on with the noodles being stir-fried and caramalised to their al dente texture while absorbing the accompanying tamarind sauce entirely. No other accompaniment of condiments need to be added to this already star-dusted dish. Every mouthful is an honour! Hats off to the Chef Kannika and her culinary team.
<Kanam Krok>
(Coconut Milk Pancakes)
While the French offer you their crepes, Phra Nakhon’s Pancake is made from coconut milk and sprinkled with 70% Chiang Mai dark chocolate, topped with shredded coconut and crispy taro, served with house-made taro ice-cream. As desserts go, you cannot get more decadent than this. The balance of the yin and yang palate with sweet and savoury is simply so delicious and moreish. This dessert creation is new on the menu and we were loving it. No matter how full you are, you need to make room for it as it is so delectable!
Simple,authentic and beautifully presented creations together with a deep sense of history from the city’s original lifeline, Chareonkrung Road, Phra Nakhon restaurant presents feel-good-taste-good Thai flavours from every corner of the country to your table. The presentation of every dish was simply impeccable and being thought through and carefully crafted with supreme ingredients to elevate the already superb and authentic Thai taste. The menu is quite wide ranging, but every dish was well executed to the highest level and did not disappoint.
(Duck Curry)
Grilled marinated free-range duck breast in red curry with cherry tomatoes, pea eggplants, Thai basil and seasonal fruits (pineapple was used for our order). Another triumphant execution with the most delectable tender flesh, light crisp on the skin, curry that has a spice coating, creating such unctuous flavours on the palate. It is the tastiest curry ever, which amounts to a combination of perfection. The colour and presentation of this dish will have your taste buds salivating with delight. What a winning dish!
<Gaeng Tepo Moo Grob>
(Crispy Pork Curry)
Crispy! Crispy and CRISPY! Premium quality Kurobuta pork belly was chosen to elevate this light and delicious yellow curry with kaffir lime fruit and tamarind paste that sits on a bed of stir-fried morning glory that is to die for. If you love crispy crackling pork, this is not to be missed, as this is the crispiest and most tender pork you will ever taste. While it may appears simple on its presentation, so much expertise goes on behind the scenes in the kitchen to bring out such a delightful flavour. Unmissable!
<Phad Thai Goong Mae Nam>
(Fried Noodles with River Prawns)
Everyone knows Phad Thai and everyone loves Phad Thai and everyone has their own preference of Phad Thai. This is a premium version of Phad Thai that has your moneys worth for its quality produce, which is bold and delivers the most loveable flavour of Phra Nakhon which is second to none. This quintessential Phad Thai Goong Mae Nam with the freshest and springy river prawns not being overly grilled and delivered with the smoky, firm yet juicy flesh of the giant prawns which are the ‘cherry on the top’. Many chefs overdo this dish, but this is spot on with the noodles being stir-fried and caramalised to their al dente texture while absorbing the accompanying tamarind sauce entirely. No other accompaniment of condiments need to be added to this already star-dusted dish. Every mouthful is an honour! Hats off to the Chef Kannika and her culinary team.
<Kanam Krok>
(Coconut Milk Pancakes)
While the French offer you their crepes, Phra Nakhon’s Pancake is made from coconut milk and sprinkled with 70% Chiang Mai dark chocolate, topped with shredded coconut and crispy taro, served with house-made taro ice-cream. As desserts go, you cannot get more decadent than this. The balance of the yin and yang palate with sweet and savoury is simply so delicious and moreish. This dessert creation is new on the menu and we were loving it. No matter how full you are, you need to make room for it as it is so delectable!
Simple,authentic and beautifully presented creations together with a deep sense of history from the city’s original lifeline, Chareonkrung Road, Phra Nakhon restaurant presents feel-good-taste-good Thai flavours from every corner of the country to your table. The presentation of every dish was simply impeccable and being thought through and carefully crafted with supreme ingredients to elevate the already superb and authentic Thai taste. The menu is quite wide ranging, but every dish was well executed to the highest level and did not disappoint.
Not forgetting their beverage list is fantastic (cocktails and mocktails to suit those that fancy the social interaction and cultural significance) and with an exemplary wine list. We chose to have a glass or two of their fabulous namesake Capella Champagne from France for our appetizers, followed by a lovely bottle of 2020 Les Creisses French Languedoc red wine, as this pairs superbly with so many of the dishes we enjoyed. Khun Bell, our experienced server on the evening was quite on point and she ensured that the flow of food was in a perfectly timely manner for us to enjoy and embrace those phenomenal creations. While in Thailand, be bold and eat like a local and don’t be afraid to go beyond your taste boundaries, as that is what real Thai food is challenging about. Phra Nakhon is a restaurant to be reckoned with and leads the fray in Thai cuisine in the city of angels and we were absolute blown away with our experience even more than on our last visit.
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5
300/2 Charoenkrung Road,
Yannawa, Sathorn,
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 098 3817
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.
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