Kebab-tivating Flavours!

BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

While I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, anyone who knows me is aware that there are a few things that I simply can’t resist, including sharing plates and a good spread of dips. After all, sharing is caring, and who doesn’t like their food a little saucy? Both Indian and Lebanese cuisine provide these in abundance, and luckily for when those cravings hit, authentic iterations
of these dishes can be found at Al Saray, which has been a bulwark in Bangkok’s culinary scene, and beloved by so many members of the Thai-Indian community.

When talking about this long-established brand, two names come to mind: Chef Sampooran Singh Panwar, an accomplished chef in both India and the Middle East who joined Al Saray over a decade ago, and is a familiar face in the Indian diaspora in Thailand; and Chef Mahdi Zehri, hailing from Beirut, who brings his own Lebanese flair and inventive spirit to Al Saray’s recipes. Both chefs have been delighting Bangkokian palates for years, and were even featured in Masala under our own ‘Home Kitchen’ session, so when I heard that they were establishing a new branch of Al Saray, this time in the urbane Sathorn neighbourhood, I was intrigued, and sure that they would bring their unique brand of creativity there as well.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Nestled in Phiphat Bangrak, Al Saray’s Sathorn branch greets you with a terracotta wall of magnificent proportions before you even enter, with its name in pride of place so you won’t be able to miss it. You’re invited to go through a walkway of crimson trellised flowers; a hint at the elegant interiors within.

With floor-to-ceiling windows spanning two stories and lush greenery, the restaurant is breathtaking when you walk in, while maintaining classic Lebanese and Indian touches in their décor. Traditional mosaic lanterns hang from the vaulted ceilings and on sconces on the walls, while playful greenery from the rafters brings the outside in. With brushed stonework floors and a neutral palette, the contemporary space is designed to help you relax and ensure that the verdant view outside is the star of the show. Above, a mezzanine area provides extra seating options, perfect for large groups of friends or extended family.

FOOD AND DRINK
When preparing yourself for a meal chock-full of classic favourites and rich and flavourful dishes, I would suggest starting off with a refreshing tipple or two from Al Saray’s selection of mocktails and cocktails. As a gin lover, I made a beeline for the Rose drops (THB 250), comprised of Tanqueray London dry gin, rose lemonade, and lime juice, with rose syrup and rose water giving the drink its distinctive colour and delicately-floral taste. If you’d like to forgo alcohol, I would recommend their Pineapple yuzu fizz (THB 165) mocktail, which has pineapple juice, lemon and a zesty punch in the form of yuzu pulp and puree, all topped with soda water.

Starting off light, we began with the Fattouch (THB 180) salad, a fresh start to any meal and sure to whet your appetites
with its tangy dressing. Of course, no Lebanese meal is complete without an array of dips, which, as aforementioned, was the part of the meal I was particularly looking forward to. And to no one’s surprise, Al Saray did not disappoint. We opted for the Mutabale batenjan (THB 190), smoked eggplant with the perfect amount of tahini, plated beautifully with pomegranate and raspberries; the Walnut muhamara (THB 220) which can often be too sweet, but this iteration had a judicious amount of sweet red pepper and pomegranate molasses and was extremely moreish; and of course, a plate of classic Hummus (THB 165), whose texture was a silky delight. To pair with the dips, the menu has an entire page dedicated to different types of bread, and we chose some filling Plain naan (THB 35); Lebanese bread (THB 20) or pitafor the traditionalists among us; and my personal favourite, Garlic naan (THB 40). A side consisting of a plate of deep-fried Falafel (THB 260) with that perfect crunch, and I was nearly replete – but of course, we had just started.

For the slightly adventurous among us, don’t miss out on Al Saray’s signature Cherry kabab (THB 340), comprised of lamb and cherry sauce, which is a unique iteration that surprisingly balances out the gamey darkness of the lamb with the sweet tartness of the cherry. If you still want more lamb and are craving more Indian flavours, the Lamb rogan gosh (THB 399) is a favoured North Indian classic in a smooth brown onion gravy, and is definitely worth ordering. The boneless lamb is tender in exactly the right way, and the dish will leave you craving more, which was incidentally lucky for us, that should be shared with your loved ones. as we then tucked into their capacious Al Saray Special Mixed Grilled (THB 1,799) platter. A true cornucopia of delights, this one’s for the meat lvoers among us, and is comprised of lamb skewers, lamb kofta, chicken kofta, shish tawook, chicken wings, lamb arayes and lamb chop; Al Saray’s delightful blend of both flavours embodied in a single outsized dish. Easily enough for a group of four or more, it’s a dish whose robust flavours and abudnance needs to be shared with others.

If you still have room in your stomach for more, and to offset the rich and heavy flavours of the meats, make sure to sample some of Al Saray’s array of sublime desserts. The three we had were a particular treat and some of the highlights of the whole meal, from the crunchy Othmaliyeh bilashta (THB 320), comprised of konafa dough, cream, blossom water and crushed pistachio, which was a particular delight; to the Mohalabieh (THB 180) a milk pudding concoction that was a creamy treat; and the Oum ali (THB 260), made with bread pudding, mixed nuts and blossom water which surprised me with how heartwarming it was. Truly, a meal to remember and one

MASALA RECOMMENDS
The Prawns biryani (THB 450) was a unanimous favourite, and will be sure to have mass appeal. Aromatic in the extreme, it came piping hot and we would have been willing to lick the pot clean afterwards.

AL SARAY – SATHORN
27/1 Piphat Bangrak Bangkok 10500
Open daily from 11.30am to midnight
Tel: 02 116 3317
Instagram: @alsaraybkk
www.alsarayrestaurant.com