August 25th, 2011
A prime riverfront location on Bangkok’s winding Chao Phraya river is the setting for a contemporary styled, Asian-themed gastronomical experience. Sambal Bar & Grill blends the spicy hues of South East Asia in both interior decor and the combinations of local spices in its dishes. The term “sambal” is a Malay word for chili paste- a rich red in color- that is the quintessential condiment used in cooking throughout the region encompassing Southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The chefs at Sambal Bar & Grill have taken the traditional role of sambal and suffused it with a modern style of Asian cuisine, creating delectable dishes from the freshest seafood, meats and vegetable produce.
Located within the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Bangkok, Sambal Bar & Grill occupies a ground level space directly adjacent to the river frontage. The indoor space includes the main restaurant and open kitchen and grill, and outdoors are the open air terrace on the river front and the Sambal Bar. The interior color scheme utilises the rich tones of dark timbers, deep red colored pillars, and color highlights of soft furnishings to create a warm and inviting feeling. The lighting is subdued to enhance the sensuous atmosphere. At the entrance there is a small bar and lounge area, and then the main dining area extends across to the open,” show” kitchen and grill- which is highlighted with a vibrant colored batik styled overhead screen. The ceilings are lined with rich wood lattices and beams, and some of the walls have a complete covering of bamboo stick. Dark grey slate flooring tiles are used throughout the dining area, with bamboo timber flooring in the bar and semi-private dining spaces- creating a “rustic” yet stylish decor. A row of two seated tables runs down the length of the full height glass facade- presenting panoramic views over the passing traffic on the river.
The outdoor terrace is an expansive space with timber decking and areas of comfortable lounge seating and also additional dining tables. The Sambal Bar is a stand-alone, open timber pavilion at one end of the terrace- and directly overlooks the river.
The prominent show kitchen at Sambal offers an impressive selection of contemporary Asian cuisine, complimented by a grill menu featuring prime cuts of Aged Australian Beef, and fresh seafoods including Tiger Prawns, Salmon, Snow Fish, Snapper and Whole Sea Bass. These are all served with a choice of sambal, curry, chili and other sauces, and side dishes of different combinations of vegetables. Asian dishes include various Satay, Tom Yum Goong consomme, Sambal Soto Ayam, Balinese spice marinated Duck Breast, Stir-fried Noodles with Lobster, scallops and tomato Sambal, and Twice-Cooked, spiced Pork Ribs.
Pan-fried marinated Tiger Prawns and scallops with grilled chilli and lime Sambal
Satay- Lemongrass-skewered coconut shrimp on deep fried sweet and sour vermicelli
Twice-cooked, spiced Pork Ribs- with Asian BBQ sauce, deep-fried vegetable crisps
At the Sambal Bar– signature cocktails are the specialty- all with an “Asian” theme to the ingredients. The bar is also serving classic cocktails, premium spirits, and beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks are all available. There is a menu of bar snacks for patrons not dining- including Vegetarian Crisps, Mieng Kway Teow, Sweet Corn Cakes, skewers of beef or coconut shrimp.
A selection of the Signature Cocktails-
MOJITO SEMINYAK– Fresh mint introduced 3 times (mint infused Cuban rum, filtered muddled mint & aromatic whole mint leaves) to fresh smashed local lime wedges, jackfruit, palm sugar and soda.
APHRODISIA– a nicely chilled and carefully strained combination of fresh crushed passionfruit and pomegranate, vodka, palm sugar and local fresh lime, served in a martini glass.
NEARING THE TROPICS– A caiparina comprised of muddled fresh strawberries, lychees and local limes, doused in a double shot of Brazilian cachaca with palm sugar and crushed ice.
See slide show below for more photos inside Sambal >
Sambal Bar & Grill @ Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok
Address: 2 Charoen Krung Soi 30, Siphya, Bangrak · Bangkok 10500 Thailand
BTS: Hotel operates a complimentary river ferry service every 30 minutes to & from SAPHAN TAKSIN BTS station
Reservations: +66.2. 266 9214
Website: http://www.royalorchidsheraton.com/sambal
Opening Hours: Daily for dinner from 6:00pm ~ 10:30 pm
Sambal Bar: Daily from 4:0pm ~ 1:00 am
