IF you are in Thailand on the full moon of the twelfth month of their lunar calendar, visit the riverside. And behold a spectacle so beautiful, you are almost transported to a magical land. A festival that pays obeisance to the spirit of the waters, Loy Krathong stands for floating (Loy) rafts (Krathong) in the river. The rafts are made from the stem of the banana plant, on which banana leaves, candles and flowers are placed. Nowadays, youngsters releasing the rafts into the waters even wish for their love to come true. And to celebrate this spirit, Benjarong has come out with their Loy Krathong food fest.
Dreamy Thai music plays in the background as we are ushered into the restaurant on a chilly winter evening. As we settle into our chairs, the chef comes in to greet us. “The menu contains Thai specialities that are specifically prepared during this festival,” says Chef Regi Mathew. “For instance the Tung Tong, crispy fried exotic vegetable pouches, are a Loy Krathong speciality. So is the Jungle Chilli, a dish that is not usually available otherwise on the menu,” adds the chef. Some of the ingredients such as the sauces and curry pastes have specially been shipped from Thailand.
We start our meal with a delicate clear soup with crab meat dumplings and glass noodles that had just the right amount of spices.
The crab meat dumplings were deliciously soft and melt-in-yourmouth.
For starters, you must try the Pla Hor Baitaey. The dices of fish marinated with Thai spices, wrapped in pandanus leaves and fried are great palate-pleasers.
Another speciality is the Goong Pan Oiy, marinated minced prawns on sugarcane. “There is an element of sweetness in most of the dishes as sweet is the taste that is most associated with celebrations,” says Chef Regi.
The main course has a eclectic mix of dishes. From stir-fried yellow pumpkin to woodear and button mushroom, from stir-fried tenderloin in black bean sauce to steamed curried fish in banana leaf, they have it all. But don’t fill your stomach with the main course, for the dessert is simply delectable. If you are a custard apple aficionado, then the Noina is a must-have. Else, you can try the lychee delight — Ngor Lychee Krati Sod. Either way, you won’t regret it.
And if you really want to celebrate the spirit of Loi Krathong, float a raft of candles and flowers in the Marina. You never know, you might find true love.