Situated at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Baan Phraya is a historic Thai house on the riverside that was built in the early 20th century and used to entertain the Thai elite, high-ranking officers and visiting diplomats and emissaries. Fast forward almost five decades, the house reopens its doors to welcome gastronomes for a fine Thai dining experience orchestrated by the young and talented Chef Pom Phatchara.
Originally owned by the Minister of Commerce and his wife during the reign of King Rama IX, Baan Phraya was once the setting of prestigious social events and it developed a reputation for its elegant soirees and dinners over time. Inspired by its history, the dinner parties and feasts of the past are re-interpreted as an elegant eight-course seasonal dinner menu, where Chef Pom Phatchara introduces long-forgotten Thai dishes and cooking techniques. In addition, she brings into play several recipes from The Oriental Thai Cooking School – Thailand’s first Thai cooking school that was set up in Baan Phraya in 1986 – as a nod to the house’s past.
The respect for history is also seen in Chef Pom’s homage to her grandmother’s exceptional cooking skills and passion for quality, which is reflected in the house-made curry pastes, condiments, and sauces in her kitchen. “My grandmother had only two seasonings in her kitchen: fish sauce and salt; everything else was made fresh at home for the day’s cooking,” says the Chef.
At the newly opened Baan Phraya, diners can start their journey with an aperitif on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya River during sundown. Here Chef Pom teases the palate with her redefined ‘Mar Hor’ – pineapple relish with peanuts and tamarind. Dinner commences with a Savory Honeycomb Cookie with Crab Roe and Bitter Orange, which is a popular Thai Snack, but here it is topped with roe of sea mud crabs and bitter orange juice to cut through the creaminess for a refreshing and aromatic finish.
Sourcing only the best and freshest ingredients, guests can enjoy Grilled River Prawn with Young Tamarind and Chillies and Marinated Wagyu Beef in Red Curry on the summer menu. The contrasting sweet and spicy notes of the curry highlights the tenderness and quality of the beef. To end the meal, Baan Phraya’s culinary team rolls out the dessert trolley presenting more than ten classic Thai desserts.
A wine pairing is available to complement the meal with hand-picked labels by the sommelier. Open from Wednesday to Sunday for dinner, the house can accommodate only 20 guests who can relax in the warmth and intimacy of Baan Phraya, reminiscent of the elegant feasts and soirees the house was once renowned for.
Aperitif (pre-dinner drink): 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Dinner: 7.00 pm – 10.30 pm
Due to limited seats, reservations are required. To book, please call Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok at +66 (0) 2659 9000 or visit us at www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok