Benjarong

Authentic Thai food in the Dusit Hotel 1 Reviews

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

Once you’ve walked into Benjarong, the stresses of the day literally melt away.

If the imperial pillars and ornate carvings on the blue and gold printed walls don’t transport you to paradise southeast Asian style, the beatific lady serenading you on the traditional Thai khim – a brass-stringed instrument played with two flexible bamboo sticks – as you walk to your table will.

The food rarely veers away from authenticity either. Tom yam koong, the famous hot and sour Thai soup, is often toned down for western tastes, but this fragrant prawn, lime and lemongrass creation packs a well-weighted punch.

The mains are also as robustly spiced as they are exotic; the studs of coriander, red chilli, garlic and mint leaves that bedeck the pla krapong daeng nung manau (red snapper steamed in lemon and fish sauce) provide both visual and oral stimuli.

Similarly sterling is the gaeng keow wan – kaffir lime leaves and coriander add the zing to this excellent green curry, while coconut milk provides some comforting luxuriance in keeping with Benjarong’s overriding atmosphere of glorious Zen.

• Previous reviews
  • 30 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 01 July,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 January,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard

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