A triple Thai treat

Dubai - We go scoping for that ol' favourite of ours - Thai food - in every price bracket; here's our pick of the places on offer in Dubai

LUXURY DINING - PAI THAI

Pai Thai is not just a feast, it's a feast for the senses, as they say. The restaurant serves you the quintessential southeast Asian food experience in a perfect arabian fairytale setting. Set among the traditional-style courtyard summer houses of the Dar Al Maysaf property between Madinat Jumeirah and the Al Qasr hotel, you take the abra to get spirited away to this secluded getaway-style restaurant.

Reminiscent of traditional Thai-style homes, Pai Thai is very opulent but understated at the same time. If you get the verandah seating, the view across the water is nothing less than gorgeous. As for the food, the pick of the menu come in the form of Crispy Rice Crackers with sweet chilli and tamarind sauces, the Thai ingredient-infused beverages, with lemongrass, ginger and a Tom Yum cooler. Of course, one must have soup when one is doing Thai and the Tom Khar Gai tangy chicken soup, with coconut milk, oyster mushroom and lemongrass is just the zest of life. And our other favourites are the Grilled Prawn and Lemongrass Skewers, heavenly, flavour-infused bites called Goong Yang on the menu.

Overall, the food is light, aromatic and invigorating and complete with that setting, you're actually getting real bang for every buck.

Cost for two: Dh400+ (without drinks)

Contact: Pai Thai, Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Ph: 04 366 6740/39

MID-RANGE - LEMONGRASS

The old-Dubai favourite, Lemongrass, has now opened up a fresh new branch on Shaikh Zayed road, and we couldn't resist heading there to try out some of old favourites: Tom Yum soup, Thai Green Curry, papaya salad, and mango sticky rice. Yum!

The new Lemongrass is tucked away discreetly from the noise and bustle of the city's busiest thoroughfare, and the service too is the same, quiet but considerate. The menu is quite extensive but probably not overwhelming for the seasoned Thai diner. While our hot and spicy Tom Yum was perfectly satisfactory both to the eyes and taste, our mains of rice and Gaeng Kiew Wan (green curry with eggplant, chilli and sweet basil) is the stuff of old memories of the palate.

Other in-house recommendations: Gai Hor Bai Teuy (fried marinated chicken in pandan leaf served with sweet soya sauce), Pla Samunprai (crispy-fried red snapper served with tangy tamarind sauce), all of the stir-fried section (good luck trying to decide from it!).

Overall, this tried-and-tested favourite won't disappoint.

Cost for 2: Approx Dh200

Contact: Latifa Tower, ground floor, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE (next to Crowne Plaza). Ph: 04-3276237

BUDGET - ZEN RESTAURANT DUBAI

While there is no dearth of Thai food around here, finding a place that dishes up some real, authentic Thai fare is a challenge. We hit paydirt with Zen Restaurant, a tiny, almost obscure place that's easy to miss, but makes up for its hole-in-the-wallness with its amazing, hearty food.

The 12-year-old Zen Restaurant is a true hidden gem in every sense of the word, and admittedly focuses mainly on takeaway. But the owner's hands-on approach and committment has ensured it's become a household name in the area. One of the secrets to its success is also freshly flown in ingredients from Thailand and Hong Kong.

During our review quite some time ago, we'd indulged in the the Gai Yang Barbecue Chicken, served with a side of rice, Khao Neow sticky rice, Som Tam papaya salad, my favourite Khao Soi noodles - northern Thai speciality - and Phad See Yu Thai-style thick noodles. But for a more updated menu, do check it out online or on Zomato.

Overall, head here for a pleasant Thai surprise and fresh flavours.

Cost for 2: Dh100-135

Contact: The Zen Restaurant Dubai, The Metropolis Tower, Business Bay, Dubai. Ph: 04-4216969

marypaulose@khaleejtimes.com

@storymary

• UAE
• Food and Dining