Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s teak rice barge delivers a gourmet journey to remember
COMBINING two of life’s greatest luxuries – gourmet dining and a river cruise – a meal aboard Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s lovingly restored teak rice barge is always a pleasure. Departing every evening at 7.30pm from the resort’s private pier, the two-hour cruise takes a group of up to 70 diners down the Chao Phraya River to the famed Rama VIII Bridge and then back again. The tranquil journey includes the opportunity to see (and learn more about, if you wish) over 30 historical landmarks, including, among them, The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and the Temple of Dawn – all lit up brilliantly against the violet night sky. |
The gentle breeze, lapping of the water, and cozy confines of the open rice barge set the perfect atmosphere for an authentic Thai feast, and as for the food, well, this is Royal Thai Cuisine at its finest.
While there’s no a la carte menu available on board, Mahnora Cruises' Royal Thai Set Dinner has been beautifully designed to ensure there are dishes to please all palates, and the selection can always be tailored to suit your preferences (meat and vegetarian options are available).
Settle into your wicker chair and, shortly after departing, you’ll first be served some flavour-packed Miang Kham – fresh herbs and spices wrapped in betal leaves and topped with sweet tamarind sauce. The sweet, spicy and citrusy flavours are the perfect indication of what’s to come: Thai food that showcases its high quality, indigenous ingredients with pride.
While there’s no a la carte menu available on board, Mahnora Cruises' Royal Thai Set Dinner has been beautifully designed to ensure there are dishes to please all palates, and the selection can always be tailored to suit your preferences (meat and vegetarian options are available).
Settle into your wicker chair and, shortly after departing, you’ll first be served some flavour-packed Miang Kham – fresh herbs and spices wrapped in betal leaves and topped with sweet tamarind sauce. The sweet, spicy and citrusy flavours are the perfect indication of what’s to come: Thai food that showcases its high quality, indigenous ingredients with pride.
The starters, served in individual portions, include highlights such as Grilled scallop marinated with lemongrass and chilli sauce; Deep fried fish cake with kaffir lime leaves and cucumber relish; and the Kingdom’s most celebrated soup, Tom Yum Goong (Spicy river prawn soup).
As for the mains, they come in family-style platters designed to share alongside generous servings of steamed jasmine and brown rice. Celebrated dishes like Slow-cooked Massaman beef curry with sweet potatoes and shallots (wonderfully tender!); Crispy sea bass fillets in garlic, chilli and hot basil; and Marinated grilled chicken with tamarind sauce all provide plenty of tasty evidence why Thai cuisine is consistently voted amongst the world’s most popular.
Rounding out the experience, and providing a fitting end to the gourmet journey, is a selection of traditional Thai sweets and tropical fruits.
Priced at just B2,300 per person, The Royal Thai Set Dinner Menu is great value for money. You can also team your meal with some specialty cocktails, local beers and fine wines that are all reasonably priced too (the latter start at just B310++ per glass; B1,500++ per bottle). Advance booking is highly recommended.C
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. 257/1-3, Charoennakorn Rd.
Tel: 02 476 0022 www.bangkok-riverside.anantara.com