Abu Dhabi: A day of pampering at a spa or feasting on a five-course meal at a swanky restaurant with friends is considered by many people an ideal way to wind down. The Silk & Spice, the Thai restaurant at Sofitel Hotel on Corniche Road, does a bit of both. Its chic decor, predominantly in elegant black, and soft lighting make you feel as if you have entered a soothing spa. And the treat doubles as you savour some heavenly Thai delicacies. It’s food for the soul.
After having a quick look at the menu, my companion and I decide to go for Lotus, a four-course set menu costing Dh290 per person.
The decision paid off. What arrived was a well thought-out selection of signature dishes by chef Pharita of Silk & Spice.
Our gastronomic delight started with Por Pia Goong, deep fried prawn spring roll and Som Tam Goong Yang, a quintessential Thai green papaya salad with grilled prawn.
I relished the prawn in the Por Pia Goong. Though it was deep fried and crispy, the prawns were soft and moist. The Som Tam salad was also good. But there were more items in the appetiser section to try out such as the Hoi Shell Ob — roasted scallops served with a spicy pepper and peanut sauce, and Larb Nua, a minced beef salad. Next to arrive was the soup. The Tom Yum Goong, a spicy prawn soup with mushroom and lemongrass was delightful. The soup bowl was immersed in warm water and sprinkled with kaffir lime leaves to emanate a refreshing citric aroma.
Our main course featured a beef tenderloin in black pepper sauce, which was made delectable with chopped asparagus tossed into the dish. My companion gave an approving nod to the dish. I tried the Chicken Thai green curry with stir fried rice noodles. The green curry would rate as one of the best I have tasted. The cream-textured curry had the right notches of spice, yet it was not overpowered by the pungent flavour of garlic. The mixed seafood with vegetables and fresh ginger was equally good.
Finally came the desserts and both dishes left us with a sweet feeling. A platter of fresh fruit with coconut ice cream topped with fried coconut flakes did an awesome job to appease our sweet tooth. But we were more impressed by the signature coconut milk-based sweet dish with lychees, jackfruit and mangoes with sesame seeds. The dish was exotic and authentically Thai.
DETAILS:
Location: Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Markaziyah, Timing: 6pm to 12am
For bookings, contact: 02-813 7777
We recommend: Por Pia Goong, The Tom Yam goong and Thai green curry
