Summer Spice Tour

By: Mahmood Hossain 

Spice Brasserie was inspired by the bustling Sukhumvit neighbourhood’s rich and colourful heritage, providing an experience of local senses, elevated by a relaxed ambience and interior décor, enhanced by local Asian street food flavours with a creative and modern interpretation. Granted, tucked further back into Sukhumvit Soi 6, it may not be the first eatery on top of your ‘to-try’ list. But that makes it even more enticing. Here is an opportunity to whisk yourself away from the flurry of the main streets for some respite, and dine in with an extensive menu, spanning appetisers to sweet treats, that will satisfy the taste buds of appetites of any size.

So, if you’re looking for a laidback, all-day dining establishment, where the dress code is smart casual, and not too far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Spice Brasserie may just hit the spot. Located next to the lobby in ParkRoyal Suites Bangkok, this restaurant spoils guests with choices, which is exactly what my colleagues and I found out during our recent dining experience.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The wonderful thing about stepping into the ParkRoyal Suites Bangkok is its location, almost as if someone conjured the illusion of a secluded oasis. In reality, it’s a one-minute brisk walk away from the traffic-heavy Sukhumvit Sois 4 and 6. So, why wouldn’t anyone want to filter the noise pollution, take a breather, and have a few bites to recharge their energy before braving the city life once again? Spice Brasserie’s interior is another welcoming environment of contemporary standards, with asymmetrically-framed tinted mirrors, hexagonal designs for both ceiling lights and flooring, and soft shades of orange, yellow and slate-grey furnishing. There is a sense of familiarity in the atmosphere, delivering more comfort to the experience.

spice rub BBQ pork ribs (THB 420), 5-inch pork ribs, seasoned with garlic, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, and chilli powder. We suggest getting your fingers a bit messy with these ribs, in order to fully experience the tender and juicy meat just waiting to be devoured off its bones.

Finally, it isn’t a complete meal without a sweet ending. The Panna cotta with homemade mango sauce (THB 180), made with mango, lemon, lime, vanilla syrup and whipped cream, and served with fresh fruits, was light to the touch and had just the right amount of sweetness.

FOOD AND DRINK

My colleague and I were treated to some house favourites, from restaurant staples to local sweet twists. We started off with the Caesar salad (THB 260), served with a choice of crispy bacon or grilled chicken and garlic. The romaine lettuce, bacon, parmesan cheese, and surprisingly, the anchovy, made for quite the combination. I am pleased to say each ingredient complemented the next. Additionally, the Tomato cream soup (THB 160), served with paprika croutons, brought the feel of home with its rich and consistent texture and flavour.

While we started on a good note, the meal was elevated by the menu’s main dishes. Up first, the Seafood pasta pomodoro(THB 290), which consists of white shrimp, squid, New Zealand mussels, Pomodoro sauce, and whipping cream. It’s important to note the cooking time for mussels differs from shrimp or squid, avoiding the risk of being overcooked and tough in texture. Fortunately, the pasta was al dente (I wouldn’t expect anything less), and each seafood element was fresh and given the right amount of attention and time. Next, we took bites of the glistening Duck confit with krapow sauce (THB 310), accompanied by steamed rice, which was exquisite but best when fresh out of the kitchen. Cooking duck can be a tricky affair, a time-sensitive process with careful consideration toward its presentation and maintaining quality. This is something that the chef knew quite well.

The wonderful cooks in the kitchen also offered an easier-to-cook and easier-to-digest dish with the menu’s Pineapple fried rice (THB 250), made with fried onions, curry powder, raisins, and turmeric powder; all served in a pineapple bowl. However, that didn’t stop them from creating a bit of splash with the restaurant’s Signature mixed

MASALA RECOMMENDS

One of the more trustworthy and locally-loved dishes on the menu happened to steal the show on this dining occasion. The Chicken Massaman curry (THB 260; THB 350 for beef option), with chicken wing meat, Massaman curry paste, potato, cinnamon, shallots, and nutmeg, and served with steamed rice, was one of the more flavourful dishes we had the pleasure of having. The tender braised meat and aromatic, warm spices complemented its thick and rich texture. Each bite provided the comfort of home and the zest of dining out, a worthy recommendation for anyone visiting Spice Brasserie.

MASALA SPICE BRASSERIE

G floor, ParkRoyal Suites Bangkok 22 Sukhumvit Soi 6, Klongtoei Bangkok, Thailand 10110 All-day dining from 6am to 11pm

(Breakfast: 6am to 10.30am)

Tel: 02 262 9999

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@PARKROYALSuitesBangkok

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