Sala Rim Naam Thai Dinner with Traditional Dance at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Written by Axel Ritenis, Editor, Connoisseur Magazine
I was delighted to accept an invitation to attend the highly anticipated return of its four-decade-old Thai restaurant, Sala Rim Naam, which reopened in early August,2023. The Mandarin Oriental’s signature Thai restaurant, Sala Rim Naam combining classic “Royal Thai” cuisine with Thai Traditional Dancing and a Cultural experience,inspired by royal Thai culinary traditions.It reopened on Aug 3 after a three-and-a-half-year absence. It is somewhat ironic that I was invited,.because I first went to Sala Rim Naam for this experience fully 14 years ago,..(which raises the question,..isn’t it time I retired?). I would have to say that the new version of Sala Rim Naam is a success. The Mandarin Oriental’s iconic Thai restaurant reopened with a new revised concept involving the Traditional Thai Dance and Cultural experience accompanied by serving fine Royal Thai cuisine a la Carte,..
When I last visited some 14 years ago they served a lavish Thai buffet Dinner,..but in post covid circumstances ,..they have adapted to the current needs and they now offer guests a Fine Dining experience comprising a Set Dinner menu.It is accompanied by Thailand’s most spectacular cultural performance and dance show nightly. As most readers will know Sala Rim Naam is located on the opposite bank of the river Chao Phraya ,.. just across from the hotel. Sala Rim Naam is an elegantly decorated and welcoming pavilion where guests can experience true Thai hospitality at a high level.
I arrived quite early for the show and waited for a tropical storm to abate before crossing the Chao Phraya River in the hotel’s shuttle boat from the Mandarin Oreintal Hotel Shuttle wharf. Sala Rim Naam welcomes guests into a classical and Royal Thai atmosphere and guests are seated and given the opportunity to dine prior to the commencement of the show, although in most cases guests will continue to dine throughout the show depending on the service.
HISTORY
Sala Rim Naam, meaning “room at the water’s edge,” has a history of more than 40 years and has long been a favorite for Thais with out-of-town friends and visiting dignitaries,.. as it has always boasted some of the country’s best classical Thai performers in a cultural performance whilst guests dine on the royal inspired Thai dishes.
“The original refurbishment was executed by well-known Thai architect Mr Chantaka Purananandaala.The interior design depicts a magnificent palatial atmosphere with its etched glass panel pattern work derived from an antique Thai scripture cabinet and the chandeliers based on reversed ceremonial parasols which are made of Thai silk and woven in with actual gold threads by a specialist weaver, who also created the various silk fabrics out of jacquard. Thai motifs adorn the wall panels, curtains and various “ikats and mudmee”, which are used for the upholstery and the traditional triangle cushions.”
It was Mr Kurt Wachtveitl, the long time General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok,who instigated the renovation back in the early 2000’s and he said of the said of the renovations at the time “The complete transformation of the Sala Rim Naam and the addition of the Sala Rim Naam Lounge brings our fine dining concept up to par with our other restaurants such as Le Normandie, Lord Jim’s, and the recently renovated China House.” Historically speaking,..this was an integral part of the entire restoration of The Oriental’s facilities at the time, enhancing the hotel’s legendary service standards and maintaining its place at the forefront of the hospitality industry at the time.”
When I first visited in 2008, the Exective Thai Chef was Vichit Mukura who developed an authentic Thai cuisine menu for the Sala Rim Naam which was served Buffet Style from Terrines. It included a vast array of sumptuous Thai dishes and live stations for its dinner or lunch buffet, including traditional Thai favorites such as Naam Prig Makham (“Dip with Tamarind and Minced Chicken”), Yaam Nuea Poo Gub Mamuang (“Spiced Green Mango Salad with Crab Meat”), Gai Hor Bai Toey (“Deep Fried Honeyed Chicken in Pandanus Leaf” ), and Poo Phad Naam Prig Pow (“Stir Fried Sea Crab with Chilli Jam and Basil Leaves” ) just to mention a few.
I still remember the experience as one of my great introductions to refined or high level Thai cuisine.
“Today the culinary team at Sala Rim Naam presents an exquisite Thai set dinner featuring premium ingredients that embody authenticity and the evolving Thai culinary culture, ensuring an authentic and delightful experience.They also cater to their discriminating guests by providing an excellent Drinks list featuring both old world and new world premium wines to accompany the fine dining.”
To my delight I discovered that the new incarnation of Sala Rim Naam offers a similar enchanting Thai journey and experience ,..which will delight both culture aficianados and connoisseurs alike.
“By taking this captivating journey, you can experience an enchanting cultural event combined with a harmonious fusion of authentic Thai cuisine, drawing inspiration from Royal Thai traditions. The night really comes alive with a graceful Thai cultural performances and traditional Thai music, immersing you in the very essence of Thailand. of course the sincere and genuine Thai hospitality will be a constant presence, ensuring you feel warmly welcomed and right at home throughout the experience.”
EVENING “THAI SET DINNER” MENU
Crab meat dumpling shaped like a jasmine flower
Crispy-fried noodles topped with bitter orange and banana blossoms
Spicy banana prawn salad with lemongrass served in a crispy pastry shell
Pomelo salad with air-dried shredded capon chicken
Spicy river prawns in an aromatic lemongrass soup
Grilled beef tenderloin in red curry with wild betel leaves
Pan-seared grouper fillet served with herbs, tamarind,
coconut cream, and fermented soybean relish
Stir-fried lotus root with black garlic
Organic brown and Jasmine rice
Mango dessert and the Petite forts Fruit dessert.
Petit Fours
Spicy river Prawns accompanied by an excellent French Trebuchet Bourgogne Chardonnay wine
This time around I found the food was excellent, exquisite, refined and full of evocative and stimulating flavours and textures!
Apart from the food I also enjoyed the entertainment: beautiful music and superb dances. The food offered a variety and richness of taste, subtle and surprising flavors. My favourite was probably the mention to the delicious River Prawn with a delicious sauce Panang curry, and the Grilled groper fish and its exquisite sauce and the delightful Mango dessert and the Petite forts Fruit dessert.
Mango dessert and the Petite forts Fruit dessert.
A genuinely nice culinary experience. I was treated to several glasses of excellent French house wines by the glass including a Trebuchet French Bourgogne chardonnay.
I noted some small criticism of prices applicable to the Drinks list (on social media) ,.. .but considering the venue and the performance all together,..and the general price of wine and cocktails in Thailand,.. I found the prices manageable considering the level of service and the rich cultural experience on offer.
Traditional Thai dance at Sala Rim Nam-Photo credit Axel Ritenis
THAI CULTURAL SHOW
Adding to the evening are spectacular Thai cultural performances. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident looking to embrace Thai culture, Sala Rim Naam provides sensational Thai encounters that will enchant you.
PACKAGE: Sala Rim Naam offers a Thai Set Dinner:
- THB 2,800* per person for four courses
- THB 3,400* per person for five courses
*All prices are subject to 10% service charge and government tax.
Dinner starts at 7pm. The first Thai cultural performance is at 7:45pm and the last at 9pm.
Directions: Sala Rim Naam is easily accessible from Charoen Nakorn Road with a dedicated parking area.
*Alternatively, you can take the hotel’s shuttle boat from the hotel.
Dress: After 6:30pm guests are asked to be elegantly attired with proper footwear; gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
Remark: Last seating for dinner at 9pm.
SALA RIM NAAM
ADDRESS: across from Madarin Oriental Hotel
48 Oriental Avenue,Bangkok 10500, Thailand
TELEPHONE: +66 (2) 659 9000
WEBSITE: www.mandarinoriental.com
CUISINE: Asian, Thai
DRESS CODE: Smart Casual
OPENING HOURS: SALA RIM NAAM:
Set Dinner: 7.00 pm onwards (with live dance performance)
Show time: 8:15pm–9:30pm
