Appe-Thai-Sing

A restaurant that has been around for most of my life and one that I have visited over the years with family and friends alike is, Thai Pavilion. It’s one of the most popular restaurants situated in the Taj President hotel (now Vivanta by Taj) in the very south of the city, Cuffe Parade and infact, it is one of the only consistently good Thai restaurants in the city.

I remember when you had to walk through the small passage into the restaurant that had little Thai-looking ladies sitting in traditional costume carving intricate art out of fruits and vegetables. It was truly fascinating. After the refurb a few fears ago the place has seen a modern turn which still has a touch of Thai in the decorative motifs that adorn the walls.

The restaurant is spacious and comfortable with two distinct sections. Racks of worldly wines separate the main dining area to a smaller, semi-private area that can be given out to larger groups or parties. A large open-style kitchen sits in the middle of the restaurant with bar seating around it so patrons sipping on a delicious kafir lime infused cocktails can watch the skilled chefs busy cooking up a storm while they wait for their table to get ready.

Have you ever had those moments where you just want to leave Bombay and go for a quick holiday? Often you think of a place that’s close and accessible, like Thailand maybe. But then you realise that it’s just not going to happen the way you imagined. No? Well I definitely do…atleast once everyday. And post such moments of desperation, you’ll find me dining at Thai Pavilion with friends that have a similar series of thoughts. This night was no different. 

After enjoying a cocktail and platter of sushi at Wink, the bar next door, we worked up a bit of an appetite (yes, by not doing much except waiting and chatting) and quickly made our way to a cozy table at the Pav.

We were warmly welcomed by Joe, a staff member that I was told is synonymous with Thai Pavilion, and now I know why. A happy, smiling gent that told us that he has worked in the establishment for, get this, 32 years! Amazing! He knew everything and everyone and gave us a little history lesson about all the restaurants that stood where Thai Pavilion was today. One of my friends that was with us that night really summed up Joe in one line, “What Thai Pavilion lost in the way of fruit carvers, they made up with Joe” he said. It was a real pleasure to hear him share his memories and at the end of our little chinwag he was as happy to get his picture taken as I was to take it. So with a stride in his step and a flick of his hair I clicked a picture of smiling, happy Joe.

Now, to the best part. The restaurant sports a sizeable menu that is not overwhelming and yet has enough choices to keep you wondering as to what you should order and all you vegetarians, that goes out for you too. Lots of veggie options to choose from.

So we sent in our orders and got a bunch of dishes to share. Here is what we enjoyed;

kai haw baitoey; a serve of juicy chicken pieces marinated with a thick tangy but sweet sauce, perfectly parcelled in pandanus leaves and stir fried to perfection.

phad pak bung tao jiew; wilted crunchy stalks of morning glory leaves stir fried with a flavourful yellow bean paste.

pad thai vegetarian; broad flat rice noodles flavoured with tofu, green veggies and sprouts, stir fried in a beautiful spicy sweet and sour sauce and topped with crunchy peanuts. Yum!

gaeng kiew warn je; popular as ever vegetable Thai green curry. An aromatic coconut curry flavoured with a mix of fresh flavours like green chillies, coriander, lemon grass and kafir limes. A happy burst of flavours on your tongue. We ate this with a serve of fluffy steamed rice.

I truly believe that the secret of really good Thai food is the artful intermingling of flavours; sour, hot, sweet, salty. If you get that right, and Thai Pavilion surely has, then you’re in for a real treat, every time!

Thai-rific! ;)

Address:
Thai Pavilion,
Vivanta by Taj President,
90, Cuffe Parade,
Colaba,
Mumbai- 400005.

Facebook:
Thai Pavilion