On returning from my first FAM tour to Thailand, I realized that something wasn't quite right! I kept craving for authentic Thai food; in fact even before the trip, I was meaning to dine with wifey at a Thai specialty restaurant.
Luckily, my prayers got answered pretty fast when I was invited to review Neung Roi last week - a new Thai restaurant located in the heart of Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi.
Neung Roi in Thai means 100. The restaurant is named after the 100 degree Celsius East longitude running through Thailand. Just like the imaginary line that runs through the Land of Smiles, Neung Roi too brings along happiness via different flavors of the Thai cuisine from across the length and breadth of the country. In fact, having experienced the 'Sum Rap Thai' or the Thai way of eating, I was extremely happy to find a fine-dining property in Delhi that seems to have its heart in the right place.
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| Moi at Neung Roi |
From the time you enter Neung Roi, you get a bird's eye view of the amazing Thailand's culture and customs.
The ambiance is aesthetically designed to truly draw you in. Soothing decor and restful atmosphere sets the pace for a perfect rendezvous with your loved ones.
Neung Roi takes you on a culinary ride where you can explore the spicy flavors from Isan, hot and salty food from Lanna, seafood from South, and mild dishes from the Central Plains. The selection of beverages might overwhelm at first, but for someone like me who has experienced the Thai cuisine before, the menu is a sheer delight.
At the venue, I was ecstatic to meet the very humble Thai chef Yenjai Suthiwaja, who has specially designed Neung Roi's menu for the Indian palate. Yenjai also conducts a master class at Neung Roi from time to time.
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| Deep, Moi, Saloni, Kats, Toshi, Prayag, Adnan, Piyush, and Thai chef Yenjai Suthiwaja |
As I readied to enjoy a gastronomic Thai sojourn filled with authentic flavors, I couldn't help but reminisce the wonderful time I spent in Thailand.
Thai cuisine is best described as a combination of unique components. At the core of this cuisine rests the Sum Rap Thai concept, which determines the look, taste, and feel of a Thai meal.
Welcome Drink
Melon A-Qua
[My rating: 5 out of 5]
A unique concoction of watermelon, hot basil, and galangal, this refreshing beverage works as an amazing palate cleanser.
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| Melon A-Qua |
Starters and Salads
Tohu Song Khurg
[My rating: 3.5 out of 5]
Served with tamarind palm sugar sauce and roasted coconut, this delectable starter comprises the tastiest Tofu chunks packed superbly in Pandanus leaf cups.
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| Tohu Song Khurg |
Tod Man Khao Pod
[My rating: 5 out of 5]
A popular Thai street dish, these crispy Thai corn fritters are best enjoyed with sweet chili sauce.
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| Tod Man Khao Pod |
Gai Yang
[My rating: 3.5 out of 5]
The Thai way of grilling chicken is known as Gai Yang. Again, a classic street food, these succulent pieces of grilled chicken must be consumed with roasted chili sauce and coriander roots.
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| Gai Yang |
Krachai Gab Goong
[My rating: 5 out of 5]
In the mood for some stir-fried prawns? Well, then this is the dish you should be going after! Mixed with wild ginger, red chilies, and shallot, Krachai Gab Goong turned out to be my personal favorite at Neung Roi.
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| Krachai Gab Goong |
Som Tum
[My rating: 4.5 out of 5]
Som Tum is essentially Thai for green papaya salad; a spicy salad made from peanuts, chilies, and shredded unripe papaya. Popular throughout Southeast Asia, Som Tum tastes magnificent with light soy sauce.
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| Som Tum |
Soup
Tom Yum Goong/Gai
[My rating: 5 out of 5]
A Thai soup usually cooked with shrimp or chicken, Tom Yum is characterized by its distinct spicy, hot and sour flavors. Add fragrant spices and herbs used in broth, and you have a clear winner. The basic broth is made of fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, chili peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, etc.
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| Tom Yum Goong/Gai |
Main Course
Phad Kee Maow Tohu
[My rating: 3.5 out of 5]
A veggie delight, Phad Kee Maow Tohu contains assorted vegetables along with tofu, hot basil, chilies, and dark soy sauce.
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| Phad Kee Maow Tohu |
Gaeng Kiew Wan Pak
[My rating: 4.5 out of 5]
Served with rice, Gaeng Kiew Wan Pak is Thai for green curry cooked using mixed vegetables or chicken.
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| Gaeng Kiew Wan Pak |
Phad Pak Kiew
[My rating: 4 out of 5]
Phad Pak Kiew is motley of stir-fried kale with morning glory, bok choy, soya bean sauce, garlic, and pepper.
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| Phad Pak Kiew |
Pla Neung Manao
[My rating: 3 out of 5]
I am not such a huge fan of steamed fish. That said, I did like Pla Neung Manao since the flavorful fish was perfectly garnished with cilantro and garlic cloves. With lime slices as the topping, Pla Neung Manao makes a deadly combination when served with lime chili sauce.
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| Pla Neung Manao |
Gai Phad Kaprow
[My rating: 5 out of 5]
Thai for fried holy basil chicken, Gai Phad Kaprow also happens to be one of my favorite dishes at Neung Roi. The minced chicken with long beans tastes delicious when served with hot basil sauce.
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| Gai Phad Kaprow |
Other favorite entrées at Neung Roi include Goong Thod Ha Rod (fried prawns served with homemade five flavor sauce and coriander), Phad Thai Gai (stir-fried rice noodles with chicken, bean sprouts, chive, tamarind, chilies, chopped nuts, peanuts, and basil), and Mee Spam (stir-fried noodles with black soy and bok choy).
Desserts
Kanom Tom
[My rating: 4 out of 5]
An old Thai dessert from the Sukhothai period, Kanom Tom is Thai for jaggery stuffed coconut balls served during auspicious ceremonies.
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| Kanom Tom |
Tub Tim Krob
[My rating: 4 out of 5]
One of the most famous Thai desserts, Tub Tim Krob is made of water chestnut cubes dipped in coconut jasmine syrup and coated with red food coloring.
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| Tub Tim Krob |
Khao Niew Mamuang
[My rating: 5 out of 5]
Slices of fresh mango make this famous sticky rice dessert from the north of Thailand quite irresistible. Served with coconut cream, Khao Niew Mamuang wins hands down both in terms of taste and flavor.
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| Chocolate Fudge Brownie |
I also loved the Lemon Cheese Cake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Fig and Honey Ice Cream.
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| Lemon Cheese Cake |
I like Thai cuisine. I like their curries. And tofu dishes. Even though I have tried variety of dishes but the one you have mentioned in this post are new to me.I am happy that I still have many dishes to exploređ
ReplyDeleteI had heard a lot about thai cuisin but never get a chance to try it. Neung Roi sounds like a great place to enjoy amazing thai food. the decor and ambience looking amazing. thank you so much for sharing your honest and detail review with us.
ReplyDeleteI think when you enter any restaurant if you not just get to eat authentic food but also learn there culture, it speaks a volume about that place and Neung roi had achieved that. Again great presentation and the feel.
ReplyDeleteThis post reminded me of my experience of having authentic Thai cuisine. I didn't tasted all the things you have mentioned in this post but I can say I haven't tried Thai cuisine after that.
ReplyDeleteI remember when this restaurant was launched it was the talk of the town and rightly so. reading your post gives me the authentic Thai feel be it in its ambience or food. Tom Sum looks so delicious.
ReplyDeleteThe name of the restaurant is unique and the thought behind it is so. When we look for authentic food, we should be sure we appreciate that and not look for versions that are Indo Thai ones.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite cuisines is Thai and I can eat it all day everyday. Looks like I need to add Neung Roi to my list. I will definitely visit this place.
ReplyDeleteThai cuisine is one of the tastiest cuisines and I can imagine how amazing authentic Thai dishes can taste. I am surely going to visit this place with my husband as he enjoys Thai cuisine too.
ReplyDeleteThe place and the cuisine really looks fabulous and worth drooling upon. I liked the authentic presentation of the food. I am sure all of this must be tasty too
ReplyDeleteManisha - Finding a authentic place for a cuisine is often difficult. My Dad enjoys Thai cuisine will surely take him to this place.
ReplyDelete