New methods of scammers include social media posts to lure the public with attractive offers and fake services
The interiors certainly have character. Colourful wooden chairs, tropical wallpaper, wicker lanterns, old posters and lively music will transport you straight to the beach shacks of Bangkok. A friendly waitress told us to help ourselves to the starters and desserts that sat along the long counter - balled watermelon pieces and an extensive make-your-own salad bar (vegetarians are spoiled for choice). A live station served coconut ice cream while another dished out raw papaya salad, spicy and fresh.
But, this is a street food themed brunch, and yet another counter served shrimp and fish balls, chicken satay and fried chicken, with an array of sauces. And, finally, there were mains featuring Thai green curry amongst others. After a hearty meal, there was nothing more to do... other than say 'kapunka' to the staff.
TASTE
If it's Thai you're craving, this hits the spot. The spicy papaya salad was the highlight as was the tender chicken satay and other 'street meats' which we tried with tangy peanut sauce. We didn't find the ubiquitous Pad Thai, but mango sticky rice made an appearance...
AMBIENCE
Deliberate effort has gone into recreating the place after some of Bangkok's trendy beach shacks. We liked that there were little pots of rice on the table, and pictures stuck on walls outside. If it hadn't been for the view of JBR outside, we would've thought we'd landed in Bangkok!
SERVICE
Since most of the dishes were served buffet-style, we can't rate the service on the usual parameters. But suffice it to say they were friendly, although a tad busy. Our plates were dutifully cleared when a new course was picked up and drinks were constantly served.
PRESENTATION
Their street food appetisers were served from a grill station and the mains were dished out in classic buffet style, which doesn't quite say much about presentation. But the salads and desserts, served in adorable mini portions, was a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
VALUE FOR MONEY
At Dh149 (with soft drinks) and Dh299 per person for house beverages, the Bangkok street brunch is value for money. This one is perfect for those craving authentic Thai fare, served in a quaint, laid-back ambiance
janice@khaleejtimes.com
New methods of scammers include social media posts to lure the public with attractive offers and fake services
Shashi Tharoor's World of Words is a weekly column dissecting English language
The event is open to an extended age group from 13 to 70 with individual and group categories
During his short playing career Raman amassed over 15,000 Test and county runs and took 87 wickets
US rates have 'strong and immediate' impact on Asia FX - IMF
The right-arm fast-bowler has played 90 T20s and picked up 101 T20 wickets in his career
Green Giant project is set to deliver 500 MW of solar power
The Morocco striker scored all of his goals in the first half as Al Ain ended Al Hilal's world-record breaking run at 34 wins