Restaurant Review
Glasgow Thai Fusion Authentic cuisine in an Iconic city backdrop
A meal for 2 with drinks from £80 Ambience
by Lisa Trainer
Service
Chaophraya, The Townhouse, Nelson Mandela Place Glasgow G1 2LL
Food
Tel: 0141 332 0041 Email: glasgow@chaophraya.co.uk Web: www.chaophraya.co.uk
Value
T
he newly opened Chaophraya (pronounced Chao-pi-ya) in the fully restored Townhouse building in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre is described as Europe’s largest Thai restaurant. But is it the best? Boasting 4 floors of luxuriously themed decor reflecting true Thai culture, it promises the ultimate fine dining experience... A Friday night out to sample the gastronomic delights on offer in this stunning venue was an exciting prospect. First impressions are always important and there is no doubt that the newly refurbished interior reflects a sense of traditional Asian style. Tasteful gold leaf glistens over listed features, oversized Buddhas and elephants stand guard in the grand hallway, exotic flowers and crystal chandeliers give the ‘wow’ factor...all predictable opulence but more ‘cultural kitsch’ than cutting edge. The Palm Sugar bar set the scene for pre dinner drinks serving a comprehensive list of alternative Thai cocktails, spirits and wine. Led upstairs to the vast restaurant, the overwhelming scale of the surroundings becomes more apparent. Certainly not the venue for cosy romantic dining, and one in a chain of others like it, it is still
unique and impressive. Extensive menus of exciting cuisine, offer a variety of creative signature dishes, a la carte specialities and banquet ideas for larger parties. The appetisers were abundant and well presented by friendly, attentive staff. The gigantic king prawn satays with homemade peanut sauce were oozing with flavour and the steamed dumplings delicately spiced and mouthwatering. The mains of green chicken curry and mixed seafood udon noodles were fired up with ingredients of ginger, spices and hot fresh chillies (not for the faint hearted)..however fragrant and delicious. An interesting desert of tasty Thai pancakes was a perfect assortment of mini deserts to indulge a sweet tooth. The boutique style food was the highlight of this culinary journey. Reasonably good value for money, there is however room for improvement to cater for casual diners, family and romantic celebrations, business meetings, VIP and private dining. Cosmopolitan Glasgow is certainly ready to be spiced up with this original concept, but Chaophraya will need to pay attention to the fine detail if it is to present sophisticated food, drink and a social reputation to match international standards and fine cuisine. Issue 4 Autumn 2012
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