Thai Pavilion is a born-in-Mumbai brand of Taj, having quite a fan following there, serving the cuisine of the ancient Thai kingdom. It has now introduced its ‘Unique Dining Experience’ where one can handpick their own meal, out of a set menu, paired with a bottle of Moet and Chandon champagne and an expert Thai Chef to guide you through the experience. The setting is the Private Dining Room at Thai Pavilion. Priced at Rs 20,000 onwards for a couple, this experience is clearly meant for the well-heeled. I am here at the invitation of Taj Pavilion Gurgaon, to taste the specially crafted menu by the humble Chef Prajuab Shoosridam, Master Chef – Thai Pavilion.

I have been given a menu to choose from, in advance from a larger menu. I am greeted with a refreshing welcome drink made of a mix of juices infused with kaffir lime and lemongrass, before taking a seat with my name on it.

                  Welcome Drink

 Immediately, a vibrant looking dragon fruit amuse bouche is served. It is evident that the chef with his team has the service well under control, and soon thereafter, deliciousness starts rolling in.

                 Amuse Bouche                                Starters Platter

This is where I realize my mistake in choosing from the menu earlier when I was in a hungry state. Now I see the result of my choice and a food laden plate is served to me. I start eating it from one end, and the first starter I attack is the delicious fish cakes. The taste is great and the texture amazing. I would strongly recommend this dish if you are dining here.

                       Fish Cakes and Pan grilled prawns

Pan grilled prawns are spicy and the vegetarian yellow tofu betel leaf is soft and comforting. Raw mango & water chestnut salad is less exotic than it sounds and spicy seafood salad is addictive. The soup course is my favourite, tom yum soup, and it is perfectly spiced and a depth of taste. It is among the best tom yum soups that I have had.

                                      Tom yum soup

The main course is somewhat underwhelming compared to the starters. Prawn pepper garlic sauce lacks character. Steamed John Dory lemon garlic has potential but the piece I get is overcooked and dry. Green curry seafood has the depth of taste but is a bit too thick and gluggy to be enjoyable.

            Seafood Green Curry                                Steamed John Dory

The vegetarian main courses dishes have a clear edge over the non-vegetarian dishes. Jackfruit & water chestnut with ginger, garlic light soya fascinates me.  The jackfruit has been marinated overnight and cooked expertly to give it a melt in mouth feel, something not easy to do to a jackfruit. Phad thai noodles and handmade flat noodles with vegetables are both enjoyable.

               Stir fried Vegetables                                    Pad Thai

My perpetual choice when it comes to Thai desserts, tub tim grob  is a coconut milk based dessert that is very popular among Thais when the weather is hot. The small reddish/pinkish jewels are water chestnut covered with tapioca flour, served with sweeten coconut milk and shaved ice. In this weather after a delicious meal, the dessert just hits the spot.

                                   Tub Tim Grob

Thai Pavilion is going to be a boon for Gurgaonites. If you have not visited it, a meal here is highly recommended, ideally for a celebration. And if your wallet is posh, you could opt for the bespoke option that it provides, where good times are guaranteed.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 4.5 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.20,000+ | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address Vivanta by Taj, Sector 44, Gurgaon| Tel: 0124 6671234