Thailand is a pure paradise for foodies. The kingdom’s iconic cuisine is famous all around the world for its heavenly flavours, heady fragrances and of course, its spicy kick! Fortunately, Centara Hotels & Resorts is not only Thailand’s leading hotel operator – it is also home to some of the country’s top restaurants. Centara’s talented chefs source local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients and give them a special twist to create craft mouth-watering menus that are sure to surprise and delight diners. 

For those who can’t get enough of spicy Thai food, here is a selection of Centara’s most unmissable dishes…

Crispy Red Tilapia with Betel Leaves 

Suan Bua, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok

The traditional Thai dish of meang kum is a social culinary concept that involves filling betel leaves with a selection of condiments, to create delicious bite-sized parcels that have a delightful blend of flavours and textures. This version features red tilapia, an exquisite freshwater fish which is deep-fried to give it a wonderfully crispy skin while leaving the meat soft and succulent, then accompanied with peanuts, roasted coconut, dried shrimp, lime, chili, ginger, shallots and a delicious dipping sauce.

Discover a different side of the Thai capital at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, where guests can unwind in an urban resort-style ambience by day, and chill out with fantastic food and rooftop drinks after dark.

Spicy Green Curry with Braised Kamphaeng Saen Beef

Ventisi, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok

Spicy Green Curry with Braised Kamphaeng Saen Beef at Ventisi, Centara Grand at CentralWorld

Thai green curry is one of the world’s most desired dishes. At Ventisi, the vibrant all-day restaurant at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, this colourful curry is given even greater depth by using locally-sourced beef shank from Kamphaeng Saen, in the lush countryside northwest of Bangkok, which is braised until it falls off the bone. Blended with the exquisite Thai flavours of lemongrass, tamarind, turmeric, coconut and kaffir lime, this is a light yet wonderfully rich curry.

An iconic landmark in the heart of Bangkok, Centara Grand at CentralWorld is a haven of gastronomy, with nine exceptional restaurants, bars and lounges including breath-taking rooftop venues and a dedicated Champagne Bar.

Grilled Tiger Prawn Sala Salad

Sa-Nga, Centara Reserve Samui

Thai tapas is a culinary concept that is sweeping the world. The cuisine lends itself perfectly to being enjoyed in light, bite-sized snacks – and this contemporary grilled tiger prawn salad is an excellent example of this. The highly-skilled chefs at Sa-Nga source the finest and freshest tiger prawns, which are then grilled and served with caramel honeycomb, green oil and tamarind sauce to create an incredible taste sensation.

Overlooking the shimmering sea at the secluded end of Chaweng Beach, Centara Reserve Samui is an oasis of luxury and a haven of contemporary cuisine. Sa-Nga specializes in authentic Thai flavours with a modern twist.

Grilled Thai Beef Salad 

Suan Bua, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Grilled Thai Beef Salad at Suan Bua, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

In Thailand, salads are elevated to amazing new levels. One of the country’s most popular recipes, yam nuea (Thai beef salad) is refreshing yet spicy, with a delectable blend of crisp vegetables, chilis and a fiery dressing. At Suan Bua, the elegant Thai restaurant at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, this classic salad is perfected as talented Thai chefs use prime beef sirloin, which is grilled so that it simply melts in the mouth.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin exudes an ambience of Thai grace and elegance. At Suan Bua, the signature Thai restaurant, diners can savour authentic local gastronomy in a stylish white pavilion, overlooking the pool.

Northern Thai-Style “Khao Soi” Curry

Oasis, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Northern Thai-Style “Khao Soi” Curry at Oasis, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Fancy trying the world’s best soup? In 2022, foodie website TasteAtlas placed the northern Thai classic, khao soi, at the top of its “50 Best Soups” list. But you don’t need to visit Chiang Mai to try this supremely satisfying dish. At Oasis, the inviting restaurant at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, chefs blend a rich red curry sauce with local free-range chicken and egg noodles to create a culinary sensation, while pickled condiments perfectly balance the flavours.

Nestled on the shore, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a paradise for families, where kids can make a splash in the Lost World water park, and all ages can explore new epicurean experiences at four restaurants and bars.

What is your favourite Thai dish? Do you prefer milder, fragrant plates or do you seek out the spiciest items on the menu? Centara’s chefs can prepare each dish just the way you like it. If you want to cook one of these dishes at home, please see their recipes below. 

For more information about Centara and to embark on a Thai culinary adventure in the “Land of Smiles,” please visitwww.centarahotelsresorts.com.