SPI Cinemas flies in Thai chef, for a taste of their big picture

Chef Monchai Phatchanee
Chef Monchai Phatchanee

SPI cinemas is at it again. They are constantly changing our perception of a multiplex — this time with an authentic Thai food festival. What’s more, the 21-day Taste of Thai’s limited edition menu is created by Chef Monchai Phatchanee specially flown down from Thailand in association with the Royal Thai Consulate-General. The menu was launched last week along with a Masterclass at Blur Café that brought the Thai Dosa and the prawn-stuffed crispy crepes to our plates. The former is a dessert — just in case you are wondering. 

<em>Spring rolls</em>
Spring rolls

Bhavesh Shah, who heads innovation, F&B and experience for SPI, tells us that movie theatres are a great place to introduce new concepts to the masses  — and we agree, after all they did initiate ideas like DND (disturbance-free movie viewing) besides a patisserie by a Michelin star chef in the past. “We believe everyone should have access to global experiences like an international cuisine and healthier eating options,” he says.

<em>Thai green curry</em>
Thai green curry

The fried rice and chilli chicken have been long time favourites at Blur Café. However, this time we sip spoonfuls of hot Tom Yum soup, the mild flavour of lemon grass is soothing and the prawns are plump but bite-size. The former Thai Consul-General in Xian, Chef Phatchanee’s menu showcases Thai signature dishes using authentic ingredients – in fact he brought the Jasmine essence from back home.

We tried the green papaya salad, a perfect amuse-bouche, while the crispy crepes were crunchy, though one did wish for more filling. However once we start digging into our mains, the slight crepes were a boon as there was more space for the flavoursome stir-fried chicken paired with the pad thai noodles — a combo made for overeating. Meanwhile the veg green curry packed some serious heat that sent me scurrying for the dessert platter where the Thai Dosa did the needful. Put together meticulously with layers, topped with thread-like sweetened yolk and date chutney — it was high on the sweet factor and reminded me comfortingly of our Indian mithai. However the Bua Loi Puaek Mapraew, brought home the delicate Thai flavour – with the tora balls in coconut sauce, a subtle and delicious offering.

Meal for two at Rs 1,200 onward, the festival will be on till December 21, at Blur Café, Dine
and La Piazza.

 

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