As an avid fan of Thai food, I had been a little disappointed at the serious lack of Thai restaurants in Dubai, let alone good Thai restaurants. Set spectacularly on the Dubai Fountain lake, one would be forgiven for thinking that Thiptara at The Palace Downtown Dubai might be all show and no substance when it comes to serving up fine Thai cuisine.
There’s a well considered, albeit not huge, wine list available that provides almost all of the options one needs to accompany Thai flavors, and should you wish to consult a sommelier, the knowledgable somm from Asado is more than happy to pop over to assist. We were recommended the Catena Alta Chardonnay (715dhs) and it definitely delivered on the big buttery chardonnay characteristics we had requested.
Thiptara’s menu is traditional Thai, and offers two amazing set menu options if you truly want to experience (almost) everything they have to offer (11 dishes for 358dhs or 398dhs). We dined a la carte, our Satay Gai (78dhs), Poh Piah Phak (vegetarian spring rolls, 68dhs) and Tom Kha Gai (58dhs) all authentic, fresh and delicious. My autocorrect attempted to change Tom Kha Gai to Tom Khalifa Gai and I think perhaps given the amazing Burj Khalifa views afforded by Thiptara, that might be a great addition to the menu.
The complex and fragrant curries conjured up by the Thiptara kitchen are a must order. Our Gang Kiew Wan Gai (chicken green curry, 128dhs) and Gaeng Phed Ped Yang (roasted duck red curry, 148dhs) were utterly amazing. I only wish I could make curry this good at home.
Desserts can be a low point when dining at traditional Asian restaurants, but my Gluey Horm Thod I-tim (tempura banana, honey, coconut ice cream, 48dhs) was a superb end to a sensational meal.
Given the views afforded by Thiptara, expect prices to be higher than your local Thai joint, but Thiptara truly delivers – service and food are seriously impressive. This is no tourist trap, rather nirvana for lovers of Thai cuisine.