Reviews

• 

  Ayuthaiya - never fails to impress!

  Supertrans | Sep 26 2010

  When I heard that my friends chose Ayuthaiya for our mid-week gathering, I was delighted! After many visits to this trendy Hollywood Road joint, Ayuthaiya still manages to surprise me with unusual and exciting dishes. I was ravenously hungry and started on the crunchy “Kao Tang” (rice crackers) to go with my fresh lime soda. We had asked the charming manager to take the burden of choice off us and bring us whatever he thought was best. Chatting and enjoying the balmy evening air while being perched on a lofty seat by a tall table near the open French window, I let my eyes and nose take in the delights as one delectable dish after another was set before us. First came the relishes, which are an absolute must try. The most memorable dips were the "Prig Pla Salid Heang" (pounded Gourami fish, caramelized shallots with garlic and palm sugar) and the “Na Tang Chae” (peanut, coconut milk with Massaman curry), which were served with a selection of fried and raw betel leaves, rice cakes, crispy squares and lettuce leaves, which were ideal carriers for the relishes. After that, we had the “Chor Moang” (steamed dumpling with red curry salmon), which had slightly underwhelmed me last time. HOWEVER, the chef obviously changed something, because this time the texture of the dough was light and elastic, but not chewy, and the temperature, consistency and flavour of the whole package was perfectly balanced. Unfortunately, these little gems disappeared far too quickly from our table, so I never got the chance of a second helping. Next came the “Miang Khem Ayuthaiya”, my absolute favourite – a perfectly balanced concoction of galangal, ginger, peanut, chilli, shallot, lemongrass, palm sugar and jam that is then wrapped into a fresh betel leaf before being transferred whole into the mouth, where it triggers a firework of sensual delight, tantalizing every taste bud in a symphony of flavours. (As my brother once put it: "It's like music on your tongue!") Next, we had some “Tom Ka Goong” (a custom-made seafood option of the "Tom Ka Gai" soup with sour tamarind and coconut milk). The soup was perhaps a little too mild for my seasoned, chilli craving mouth but to most novice Thai diners, it is probably a pleasant interlude before the next taste explosion. The next dish I tried was the “Pla Tun Nam Tok” (seared tuna loin with Thai tea leaves and lemongrass sauce) and – wow! That dish deserves 10 out of 10 for flavour, presentation, aroma, texture, succulence, just everything – purrrfect! We then tucked into “Por Pia Poo Nim” (baby soft shell crab rice paper roll with ripened mango, ginger root and Thai herbs), and to my surprise I must say that the crab was much less oily than I expected. The taste was light and crisp and the mango lifted the whole taste experience. As we moved on to the main courses, I was nearly full up already, but I had to try a few more dishes… The “Homok Talay” (seafood in banana leaves with red curry and Thai herbs) was cooked to perfection and the spice was just right so as not to be too overpowering. The "Pad Yod Kha Naeng" (sauteed cabbage sprouts) were absolutely delicious. From experience, I know that it is very difficult to get this Thai vegetable, and I was happy to see that the chef sauteed it just the right amount of time (and with the lid off, so as not to wilt the veg). The "Phad Thai" (fried Thai noodles with prawns, bean curd, dried shrimps, peanuts and bean sprouts) was a delight as always. The noodles being the perfect consistency, not too ‘al dente’, not too mushy, and served with the traditional condiments of peanut, sugar as well as fresh lime, spring onion and coriander. I did make an effort and tried the fried Thai fish, which was also very yummy, but I couldn't do the dessert any justice and had to pass on the "Bua Loy Nam Khing" and "Bua Loy Katee" (rice dumplings in sweet ginger with red sugar and rice dumplings in sweet coconut milk, respectively). Our 'juniors' at the table visibly enjoyed their exotic ice creams, too. All in all, it was a fantastic meal that left you wanting for nothing but a sedan chair to carry you home…
  Well done, Ayuthaiya team – you never fail to impress!

  • How much did you spend?
    HK$600 (incl. tips, excl. drinks)
  • Overall Rating
    Good
  • Food 10
  • Service 10
  • Ambiance 10
  • Price 4

• 

  What a great place to be!

  Pan | May 11 2010

  At first glace, Ayuthaiya looks just like a hip Thai bar with a few tables. But actually, there are more tables hidden upstairs, so don't be put off by the crowds downstairs. I visited the place by chance, just after the opening. My first thought was that I might not order any food, because I always feel a little odd sitting at a table all by myself. But once I sat down at the bar and began slurping my first Nam Manao Soda, I was kind of "drawn in" by the atmosphere and before too long, I was chatting with other friendly visitors. I ordered a few bar snacks and my newly found bar buddies did likewise. Considering the location (and the excellent people watching properties of the venue!) the snacks are still quite reasonably priced. Of course, once we tucked into the scrumptious little treats, we were all craving for more and decided to share a few main courses. The beef cheek was amazing - it just melted in the mouth, and it was not too spicy either so you could still taste the ingredients. I particularly liked those betelnut leaves (stuffed with all sorts of condiments), and the Pad Thai noodles were also good, not too mushy, not too dry - just perfect. I'll definitely come again.

  • How much did you spend?
    Less than HK$500
  • Overall Rating
    Good
  • Food 8
  • Service 9
  • Ambiance 10
  • Price 5

• 

  Time for Thai with a twist...

  AJA | May 7 2010

  Time for Thai food with a positive twist. Ayuthaiya at 35 Hollywood Road Central is a welcome addition along a familiar stretch of divine dinning venues. Christina and I decided on something different for a change, wanting an escape from the same old same old but yet still close to home (or at least staggering distance.)
  
  Ayuthaiya is the Aqua’s group latest venture in Soho, from a décor point it is a genuine and successful attempt at re creating the feel of a Thai timber residence; more than that, they have a Thai Chef in house and on site so you can be assured of quality. Any new Restaurant is faced with several key challenges – Ambiance, service and food quality. One which Ayuthaiya, I am pleased to say has all under control. From a very professional yet friendly and welcoming arrival, to prompt and pleasant service throughout. They have made the most of a small 2 level area seating around 40 persons. While the location is good it always irks me that these places leave the front doors entirely pulled open, okay if you have a calm ocean view perhaps, but not so if it faces a busy, noisy polluted main street. So it’s a tepid attempt at al fresco, but thankfully the rear tables provide some relief to this and if one wants seclusion and bit of quiet then there is always the upstairs, so this place has created something for everyone.
  
  Now for the twist in the tale of Thai food. It is Thai Tapas at its very best. Christina and I enjoyed Mixed Satay of beef, chicken and pork with an excellent sauce to match. Prawn Cakes, tasty and crispy if with just a touch too much oil residue. The chicken Pandan being one the best I have tasted outside of Thailand (and I have lived there on two occasions). This left the final course to be the Pièce de résistance … the Soft shell Crab mango and avocado rolls. Summed up they are to die for! If I ever have a final meal request then this would be it. Subtle tang with ginger overtones blended perfectly with mango pieces and jus. This all consumed with copious amounts of house Merlot that all went down very well indeed. Overall for the atmosphere, service, food and price, this place is way up there and a great place to go for Thai food with a twist.

  • How much did you spend?
    HKD 562
  • Overall Rating
    Good

  

  
  • Food 8
  • Service 8
  • Ambiance 8
  • Price 5