Authentic Thai cuisine served in traditional teakwood salas on the riverfront of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River
November 18th, 2012
Riverfront dining in Bangkok is a popular pastime for both visitors and locals, offering the opportunity to dine outdoors and soak up the atmosphere of the myriad vessels that constantly ply the majestic Chao Phraya River as it winds its way through the heart of the city. Taking full advantage of a much-prized riverfront location, The Peninsula Bangkok offers two dining options on the riverbanks of its property. The River Cafe and Terrace is an all-day dining restaurant, and the adjacent Thiptara serves an authentic home-style Thai cuisine in a series of restored antique salas set within a lush tropical garden.
The Thiptara ( Thai meaning “River from Heaven”) restaurant serves dinner only, with a seating capacity limited to 68 guests. Set within an enclosed garden compound, with four antique teakwood salas, and riverfront terrace tables, there is a pervasive sense of serenity and gracious hospitality as if dining in a private residence. Clustered around a grand old banyan tree, the individual salas offer small groups of diners the serendipity of both privacy and wonderful views out over the riverbank. For diners preferring an absolute riverfront experience, the generously spaced tables at the riverbank terrace suffuse the senses with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the fast- flowing river.
Thiptara serves dinner nightly from 6:00 pm in the evenings, with last orders at 10:30 pm.
The Peninsula Bangkok occupies a prime riverfront location on the Chao Phraya River – close to the business and shopping heart of the Bangkok metropolis. The prestigious hotel is consistently acclaimed amongst the upper echelon of the best hotels in Asia and the World, and offers both guests and local Bangkok residents the renowned Peninsula graceful service, together with exceptional dining experiences.
The entrance gateway to the garden compound that envelops Thiptara.
The garden compound of Thiptara holds four reconstructed teakwood salas- shaded by a massive banyan tree.
Table settings inside one of the salas- with picturesque views over the Chao Phraya River.
Several tables are placed within the garden setting of the terrace adjacent to the salas.
Guests can enjoy riverfront dining at the terrace tables. The Peninsula river boat shuttles berth at the adjacent jetty.
One of the antique salas at the front of the compound – ideal for small groups to enjoy the Thai cuisine in a classic setting.
Another view of the salas and riverfront terrace at Thiptara.
Thiptara Thai Cuisine
The authentic Thai cuisine served at Thiptara is created from traditional recipes, embracing the diversity of ingredients and tastes inherent in Thai cuisine, with specialties from across the different regions of Thailand. In addition to the A la Carte Menu , the Chef de Cuisine Chamnan Thepchana has recently introduced three Set Menus that offer a culinary tour across the regions of Thailand. For example, one of the Set Menus draws its appetizer from Chiang Mai, its soup from Phuket, its main courses from Surattani and its dessert from Petchburi.
Recommended dishes from the A la Carte Menu include- TOM YUM GOONG MAE-NAM – Traditional spicy soup with river prawns and lemongrass; POO NIM THOD KA-PRAO GROB – Deep-fried soft shell crab with chilli, garlic and basil; and GAENG PHED PED YANG- Roasted duck simmered in red curry with sweet basil. Other dishes include selections of Meat & Poultry: Curries; Fish and Shellfish; Noodles & Rice; Vegetables; and Desserts.
One of the Thiptara chefs cooking on a charcoal grill.
The reception at Thiptara resembles the interior of a traditional Thai teakwood home.
Thiptara Thai Lounge- traditional Thai-style sala lounge in treetop setting
A previously unappreciated upper level sala above the main building of Thiptara has been recently transformed into an intimate space of traditional elegance where small private parties can luxuriate in the breezy treetop setting whilst enjoying specially crafted cocktails and Thai snacks. The dishes served in the lounge from a vintage style menu range from Shrimp with green mango salad, Beef marinated in yellow curry and hot basil, charcoal grilled Chicken satay marinated in red curry, and other authentic Thai delicacies.
The upper sala offers a unique and private setting for cocktails and appetizers pre dinner, or for relaxing after dinner with a few drinks in the treetops.
The classic Thai elegance of the upper sala- with traditional low tables, cushion seats and bolsters for comfortable relaxation.
The intimate sala overlooks the swimming pool, and the Naturally Peninsula Garden, where the fresh Thai herbs that distinguish Thiptara’s refined home-style cuisine are grown.
The decoration of the sala features hanging woven wicker lamps and decorative artefacts and antique furniture.
An antique wire birdcage has been transformed into the liquor bottle display.
THIPTARA Thai Restaurant & Lounge at The Peninsula Bangkok
Address: Riverfront at The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600. Thailand
Transport: River shuttle to BTS Saphan Taksin Station
Reservations: +66.2. 861 2888
Website: www.peninsula.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePeninsulaBangkok
Opening Hours: Dinner only Daily 6:00 pm~ 10:30 pm
Dress Code: Smart Casual
