Thai MAD ABOUT
Story SALIM AL AFIFI
Can the greatness of a country’s cuisine be sampled in one XTIKM' 1\¼[ I Y]M[\QWV 1 ÅVL Ua[MTN I[SQVO Y]Q\M WN\MV _PMV M`ploring a new dining culture. In this issue, we are going on a trip to Charm Thai, a restaurant that sums up the heart and soul of authentic Thai cooking. Tucked in the lower ground of Crowne Plaza OCEC, the restaurant encapsulates a cuisine that may have required multiXTM TQNM\QUM[ \W [IUXTM QV\W I XMZNMK\ J]KSM\ TQ[\ UMV] \PI\ WٺMZ[ I XMMS QV\W \PM XQY]IV\ JW_T[ IVL ÅMZa [MINWWL ZQKP [XMKQITQ\QM[ of Thailand. The restaurant has been the talk of the town for quite some time, not only for its authentic menu but for the mystical interiors and the backstory of the golden princess Suphankanlaya, who seemed to have had a lovely voyage to Oman. With tons of curiosity, I had to stop by and experience the fantasy myself. As you’d guess, I was truly stunned. )[ 1 ZMIKP \PM XTIKM 1 [XW\ I OWTL XTI\ML ÆWWZ \W KMQTQVO gate that sports intricately designed pillars, and a friendly waiter awaiting my arrival with a warm, traditional welcome that consists of palms pressed together and a slight bow. “Welcome to Charm Thai Lounge & Restaurant” she said. Eager to explore beyond the gilded wall, I greeted the waitMZ JIKS IVL I[SML PMZ \W ÅVL UM \PM XMZNMK\ [MI\ )[ _M [\MXXML into the restaurant, I couldn’t help but marvel at the fashionable interior, said to be inspired by the princess’ journey to Muscat. Iconic battle gear, lyrical poems written on beams, prominent symbols of Kraken, walls adorned with drawings of psychedelic, abstract art, and purple sofas are some of the things that caught my attention. For a quick moment, I felt as if I had walked into a ÆIUJWaIV\ ^MZ[QWV WN \PM [M\ WN /IUM WN <PZWVM[ ¸ Q\ _I[ JMyond magical. After getting acquainted with the princess and her sea silk route voyage, the waiter escorted me to the terrace, which sports an ambience that contrasts the interior part of the diner; rugged aesthetics and dark woods take centre stage, serving that perfect island vibe of Patong Beach. I decided to have a sit at Suphankanlaya’s boat-shaped table that’s docked by the entrance. I sat and sipped on my welcome drink, made of coconut goodness, excitedly waiting to meet the chef and explore the menu. 110
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oman TOURISM