Made famous by one of the city’s best Thai chefs, Wichit Mukura (who’s now running his own chef’s table restaurant, Khao), Sala Rim Naam remains Bangkok’s premier choice for a fancy Thai meal. (It’s affordable lunch buffet is especially popular.) The dining room is housed in a traditional northern-style teak wood pavilion that evokes the feeling of a mini-palace throughs charming giant wooden gates, ornate wood carving and sturdy wooden furniture. In the evening, traditional stage performances are offered along with set menu courses and old-school à la carte plates. The outdoor terrace affords the best seats in the house along with majestic views of the Chao Phraya River.
The dishes are beautifully crafted and carefully prepared following ancient recipes. The naam prig gapi (chili and shrimp paste) is a simple dish served with deep-fried Thai mackerel from the Mae-Klong river delta and fresh vegetable condiments. The spicy pomelo salad is delicious, perfectly paired with big and succulent shrimps, while the massamun curry is fragrant and nutty, and contains big chunks of super tender lamb loin. For dessert, try the creamy and not-too-sweet pumpkin custard. Prices?