Hey bravehearts lets try grasshoppers for starters

This cosy, little Thai joint located in Jumeirah 1 at Wasl Vita Mall is called Rhong-Tiam.

Our eyes nearly bulged out when we were presented with a plate of fried grasshoppers. Yes, me and my fellow diner, ate grasshoppers for the first time in our lives! And, we loved it. They say every first experience should be savoured, but in spite of facing a backlash from friends and family for devouring an insect, I don't regret my decision. In fact, I will convert more people into 'insect eaters'.

This cosy, little Thai joint located in Jumeirah 1 at Wasl Vita Mall is called Rhong-Tiam. And if you're going there, you must try their Thai French Fries (that's what they call their grasshopper dish, wonder what the French would call it!). The organic farm-bred grasshoppers are marinated with five different spices and a gluten-free seasoning, accompanied by a homemade sauce (Dh55). This dish was a great 'kick-starter' for our journey into our gastronomical trail for the evening.

We started our Thai food sojourn with a baby papaya salad, organic chicken satay and Roti Mataba (a croissant-style crepe wrapped in minced organic chicken, chilli and hot holy basil).

I was told that good Thai food must have a balance of flavours (sweet, sour and salty), and most importantly, the way the paste is prepared. Now, being a foodie myself, I know it's equally important to cook from the heart for the taste to permeate. Going by the taste of the dishes, I guess the chefs here have put their heart into their cooking.

Soon we were through with the starters and moved on to the main course that consisted of red chicken curry and pad thai prawns - traditional stir fried thai noodle. I found the Thai red curry at Rhong-Tiam simply amazing. The texture, flavour and blend of spices still lingers in my memory. It was authentic and tasty.

All meals should end on a 'sweet note'. Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, you shouldn't miss out on the chef's Special Cake (a 21-tier cake costing Dh40). Simply said, it's delicious.

Some of the other must-try dishes are the black pepper beef and smoked salmon chuchee (a slow grilled salmon fillet smoked with oak wood served on a bed of morning glory). The place also makes some healthy juices that feature celery, cucumber and herbs.

Go to Rhong-Tiam if you appreciate good exotic food.

Arti Dani @artiharuki

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