Thai Kitchen

The Park Hyatt's a lá carte brunch puts our inner peace to the test 14 Reviews

Meal Deal

Thai Kitchen’s hot pot

‘Juhm jihm’ is a speciality from Esarn (Chef Suppatra’s home province). Dhs150 per person, minimum two people Timings: 7pm-midnight (Sunday, Monday, Saturday)

Cooking classes

A masterclass in Thai cuisine. Advance reservation necessary. From Dhs350 (food and soft drinks); from Dhs525 (with a glass of bubbly or grape) Timings: Noon-3pm (Saturday)

Friday Brunch

For those who can’t afford the Traiteur brunch (which takes place in the same hotel), Thai Kitchen offers an affordable alternative, with tasty Thai fare delivered straight to your table. Dhs235 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Dhs370 ( sparkling grape) Timings: 12.30pm-4pm (Friday)

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It was late in the afternoon when a solitary plate of two perfectly cooked fish cakes was presented to my friends across the table. Each disc, a dark golden brown, was moist and flavoursome. The only problem was that we hadn’t ordered them. We were, however, waiting in great anticipation for third helpings of the braised duck noodle soup, grilled beef with basil, and prawns in pandan leaves.

Three hours earlier, dressed in our Friday best, my friends and I entered the Park Hyatt’s impressive lobby, strolled across the muted blue circular Persian carpet, glided along the marbled, airy corridors and entered Thai Kitchen. Greeted by serene, smiling faces, we were directed to our table, passing three cooking stations where the chefs were busy at work chopping, frying, grilling, and steaming market fresh vegetables, seafood and meat. Despite the frenzy of the kitchens, everything else was calm, almost Zen, you might say. There was not a salad or a dessert station to be seen. No, this is not your regular Friday brunch with a free-for-all buffet. Here it’s all a lá carte, and all the dishes are made to order – a blessing and a curse, as we were to discover.

The food is simply amazing, with each dish made small enough for you to sample the exquisite flavours without filling you up. The spicy pomelo salad zinged with citrus and kicked with peppers. The bite of the sour pork sausage stuffed with whole green chillies, was softened with ginger and sweet basil. The shrimp toast with sesame was lightly fried to crispy perfection, and the roast duck curry was saturated in the most moreish spicy sauce, thick with coconut milk.

It was the braised duck noodle soup, grilled beef with basil, and prawns in pandan leaves, however, which kept us coming back for more. The only problem was the wait. Our inner peace began to fray, as our patience grew thinner than Lindsay Lohan’s alibi. It was around this time that the fish cakes arrived, and as we stared disbelievingly at the table, our waitress informed us that the kitchen was closed. When we politely inquired about our missing food, she said ‘oh well’ with a smile and an aura of calm acceptance.

We consoled ourselves with the desserts we’d been thoughtful enough to pre-order and they’d been kind enough to make. After refreshing our palate with melon, jackfruit and papaya – and getting our sugar hit with several servings of sticky rice with mango – we were back on the path to enlightenment. And next time, we’ll be a little savvier when ordering. Don’t let the ambience lull you into a contented daze. Grab a menu quick smart, get your orders in early, and dig in. You can hold your belly and meditate later, while watching the other diners scrabble for last orders.

By James Brennan

• Previous reviews
  • 10 April,2013- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 28 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 06 April,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 30 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 August,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 29 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 19 December,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 25 August,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Hytham on 26 May ' 13 at 22:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

AMAZING FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE

Posted by: Sarah Kaye on 06 May ' 12 at 10:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

Loved the brunch at the Thai kitchen; such a nice change to actually be able to sit and talk to your friends whilst a massive feast is laid out before you rather than playing musical chairs with a buffet. Standout dishes were the duck noodle soup, pomelo salad and the duck curry, and for desert- the mango with coconut rice. At first we thought we wouldn't have enough food but soon the table was groaning as anything we wanted more of was replenished, and new dishes were constantly brought out. A great day out for just 210 with soft drinks, and 260 including wine. Highly recommended.

Posted by: Emad Bonney on 01 Sep ' 11 at 10:07

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I totally agree with Claire, she described it as if she was with me.
1. The food is not even close to Thai food.
2. The portion is so small, we said to the waiter, it is a jock, they were samples not a main course.
3. they try to fill us with steam rice.
4 the appetizer is just tasteless and we ordered 5 types, the presentation was good though.
5. I was so disappointed that i went to other restaurant to have my dinner.

Posted by: Ian on 04 Aug ' 11 at 04:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Fantastic food experience!! Stunning setting for the best Thai food you will get in Dubai

Posted by: Abigail on 22 Mar ' 11 at 20:19

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Dining at The Thai Kitchen is always a remarkable experience; it's like being invited in a local home in Thailand - once you enter the door you can immediately feel the warmth and hospitality of the staff. They are always smiling and attentive even during busy period. Food is really great! Love the fresh pomelo and papaya salads. I always conclude my dinner with the yummy mango with sticky rice. Design is also topnotch - I especially love the open kitchen where you can see the chef in action. I would definitely visit The Thai Kitchen again - it'll remain as one of my favorites in Dubai.

Posted by: wiratchada on 18 Mar ' 11 at 23:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I love all about Thai Kitchen
i love the food there so delicious and original taste for Thai food
I love all the people who work there all are friendly and nice and take best service
also the atmosphere no sweet and remantc also amzing Thailand style decoration
I would love to go back there as much as I can
Thank all staff there for making the night worthty remember

Posted by: Sonay on 18 Mar ' 11 at 23:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

There´s only one thing what I can say about The Thai Kitchen: THE BEST THAI RESTRAUNT IN THE WORLD!!!!
I love asian food a lot especially thai food and therefore I tried a lot of different restraunts already but still the best is the The Thai Kitchen with its amazing food, the location in the beautiful park hyatt, the very friendly staff and the hole presentation! And the top of it is I´m getting everything for a very good value!
I´m a regular guest in The Thai Kitchen and I can´t get enough and therefore I´m keep going at least once a week!
The Thai Kitchen has deserved much more awards!

Posted by: Faisal Al Rawahi on 17 Mar ' 11 at 23:39

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The atmosphere for brunch was amazing, we dine indoor and outdoor with stunning view of Creek!! Excellent food and very impressive for my second time to have dinner in the favorite restaurant. My friend and I were enjoyed the variety of food and beers and wines. Service was excellent, attentive staffs, they always come to ask if we need anything plus they always smiling I really like the restaurant and I will do again ;).

Posted by: Parinya Charoenphol on 10 Mar ' 11 at 04:45

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Really Thai food, Good Service , Very delicious.

Posted by: Ksenia on 10 Mar ' 11 at 02:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The atmosphere for brunch was amazing, we dine at outdoor with stunning view of Creek!! Excellent food and very impressive for my first time brunch in the favourite restaurant. My friend and I were enjoyed the variety of food and unlimited of beers and wines. Service was excellent, attentive staffs , they always top up our glasses but it's should be better if they can keep the bottles on the table.

Posted by: Ipsita on 28 Nov ' 10 at 06:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Good food, nice setting, though the view is often obstructed by moored yachts huddling together. The service is slightly slow and confusing...we had ordered for a set menu for 2 and they happily skipped 3 dishes on the menu to jump straight to the desserts! All of them seemed to have lost track of what was served and what was remaining. When brought to the notice of the Manager, he did fill in the missing plates but after some delay. But overall, food was impressive.

Posted by: Ksenia on 29 Jul ' 10 at 03:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My first time in Park Hyatt, very impress in the restaurant design, food is excellent. Even the restaurant is quite dark and cannot see the view during summer. I felt exciting with chef's activities and the small dishes spread around on my table. Spend a lot of time in Thailand and I can say that this is Thai food I ever have had. BBQ chicken is so good and tender. Lobster dish is my favorite and the green cocktail with basil is awesome. The hot rice soufflé that staff recommended to have with coconut ice-cream is amazing! Excellent service with a friendly Thai hospitality. Me and my fiancé like it, it's such a great Saturday night!

Posted by: Jai S on 29 Nov ' 09 at 14:39

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great atmosphere for a brunch. Food is really good while not the best THai food I ever ate its among the top 10. Service is a bit slow but the view and outdoor terrace more than make up for any shortcomings.

Posted by: Claire on 28 Nov ' 09 at 13:33

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

After many excellent reviews about Park Hyatt's Thai Kitchen restaurant we finally went to try the restaurant ourselves on a Friday night along with friends. We were all very much looking forward to it and probably went with too high expectations, but honestly, the Thai food served here is nothing special; the fish cakes were like gum and even though we asked for not spicy, all our food was served very spicy. Moreover, the portion sizes were extremely small and the service not attentive at all. Certainly not what one expects from a Park Hyatt. We have travelled to Thailand many times so we have a good comparison and this experience was simply a big disappointment. Not an award winner and nothing even close to the true Thai experience!