ISLAMABAD: Music, traditional dances, and the most authentic Thai cuisine came to town on Saturday night as the Marriott Hotel collaborated with the Royal Embassy of Thailand for a one-day Thai food festival.

“The festival is always more than just amazing food,” said Imran Khalid, who brought his family to enjoy a pleasant fine dining experience.

The one-day festival offered an exciting menu of wonder-foods, spicy steamed fish with lemon topped with seafood sauce, geang phed gai makua paung, which is the hot red curry of chicken in coconut milk with exotic eggplant.

It was prepared by Marriott’s Executive Thai Chef Thaiwichai and live performances by a professional cultural troupe from Thailand.

Chef Thaiwichai has culinary experience of over 25 years and heads the kitchen of The Royal Elephant, which is the only restaurant in Pakistan that has been awarded the Thai Select Premium Certificate by the Thai Ministry of Commerce.

“We feel privileged and excited to allow everyone an opportunity to explore the exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality from the Land of Smiles to Islamabad,” said the general manager of Marriott, David Richard.

Thanks to our partners’ generous support, guests could enjoy the festival and take an authentic culinary journey around the flavours and culture of Thailand.

Counting down the days until the next time that the Thai food fest arrived into town, a guest said: “The Thai food festival is always unique. Our evening plans are always based around it, the music and the glamorous dances.”

His personal favourite were Choo Cheee Goong Yai which is prawns in thick chilli sauce.

Thai Ambassador Chakkrid Krachaiwong, said: “The Royal Thai Embassy is very pleased to work with Islamabad Marriott Hotel to present authentic Thai cuisine to Pakistani guests. Thai food is a wonder in itself and will surprise you on multiple fronts.

“Thailand is famous for its excellence in food, wonderful cultural heritage and amazing performances.

“The Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad hopes that everyone will enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and lively performances by our Thai Dance Troupe,” he added.

Tasting their way through Nua Tord Kra Tiam which is marinated beef stir fried with garlic and peppers, and Yam Sam Krob, crispy fried chicken and squid, and watching dancers perform, another family described the festival as a celebration of South Asian culture and cuisine.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2022