OUR MEALS ARE FLAVOURFUL AND FRAGRANT

Thai cuisine needs little introduction. Who doesn’t love Shrimp Satay, Jasmine Rice, Red Curry or Pad Thai? Of course, the food is for those, who appreciate the fiery factor in meals. Sour, sweet, salty or spicy — the rich cuisine promises it all. On Thai kitchen shelves, you will find garlic, galangal, cilantro, lemon grass, shallots, pepper, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and of course chillies. They have a special affinity for coconut milk, palm sugar, and peanuts. Rice is a staple grain, followed by noodles made from rice flour or wheat and mung bean flour.

The fare shares its dishes with Burmese, Malaysian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Vietnamese cuisine. Within the country, the cuisine can be broadly classified under four regional heads — Central (rice-growing region from where Tom Yum originated), Northeastern (influenced by Khmer cuisine), Northern (a noodles heaven), and Southern (with an emphasis on the use of coconut). You can sample most Thai classics on the streets — fresh off the stove or grill. Yes, street food is big in Thailand.

In Dubai, savour a Thai meal at Little Bangkok (across six locations). Order a Som Tam (green papaya salad) and the classic Tom Yum Goong for starters. Or go all out by sampling the Mixed Thai Platter — spring rolls, fish cakes, prawn toast, soft shell crab, etc. At Lemongrass Thai Restaurant (across two locations in Dubai), indulge in Satay Gai, grilled chicken served with peanut sauce. They also serve Thai sweets — rice crackers, Tako Hawe, and fried bananas. For a fine dining experience, we recommend Sukhothai, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre — sample Poo Nim Thod Grathiam, Phad See-ew Nuea, and Thai Tempura Phak Ruam, amongst other authentic preparations.

Gaeng Daeng A dish made with coconut milk, red curry paste, and chicken, beef or shrimp. It is flavoured with dried spices, kaffir lime leaves, and sweet basil leaves.

Pad thai A stir-fried rice / noodle dish — prepared with egg, tofu, fish sauce, shrimps (or chicken, beef), red chilli pepper, sugar, peanuts, and lime wedges.

Yum Nua A grilled beef salad with cucumbers, mint, cilantro, and a spicy dressing. It can be served both hot or cold. Is best enjoyed as a snack.

tom Yum Goong A shrimp clear, sour soup flavoured with fragrant lemon grass, fresh galangal root, and kaffir lime leaf.

kai med ma muang A stir-fried dish made using sautéed chicken with roasted cashews, sweet soy sauce, onions, pepper, and carrots.

khao tom mud Seasoned (steamed) sticky rice, ripe banana, and black beans wrapped in banana leaves — a popular dessert and snack.