If there’s one fine-dining Thai restaurant that we love in Phuket, it’s Black Ginger at The Slate hotel. A meal at this stunning dining destination is definitely one for the books. A complex of all-black wooden Thai pavilions that’s only accessible via a man-held raft is one thing; embellished interior decorations that make you feel like you’re inside an exotic temple is another. Not to mention chandeliers that glitter like stars in the dark sky and staffers clad in costumes inspired by ancient Phuket fighters. And the food? Well that’s definitely something else.
Despite all the fancy, Black Ginger promises uncompromising tastes and flavors that are distinctly Phuketian. The menu was curated by Chef Anongrat "Piak" Meklai, who’s been helming the hotel’s Thai kitchen for more than 20 years (long before the hotel was The Slate). Rest assured that your pad pak miang (stir-fried miang leaves), nam prik goong siap (chili paste with dried shrimps), and gaeng puu bai cha plu (crab meat curry with cha plu leaves) are as hot and spicy as they should be. Attentive staffers can help you choose which wine to pair with your meal. Don’t forget to pacify sweet cravings with Black Ginger’s take on oh aeiw, a traditional Phuket dessert made of banana gelatin in syrup and shredded ice.