COCONUTS HOTSPOT – The Bangkok eating scene seems to vacillate from trend to trend. Every month dozens of new places open, each boasting a novel culinary technique. Himali Cha Cha, however, eschews this tendency for fads.
This Punjabi restaurant is all about tradition. Himali Cha Cha has been open in various iterations for over 30 years, enough time to perfect the menu and nail the service aspect of the business.
Indian food doesn’t usually mean refinement, but short of the lauded Gaggan, Himali Cha Cha is the closest to a high end dining experience any Indian joint in Bangkok can offer.
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Special attention is paid to the Tandoor clay oven, a technique that originates from the Punjab region of Northern India and one that Himali Cha Cha absolutely nails. Getting tandoor right is tricky business, because the extremely high heat and long roasting time can easily dry out the fowl. Here, however, the birds are given a proper lathering of spices to lock in the moisture and keep the reddish chicken ideal. Various renditions of the chicken are available, like the Mint Chicken (THB195), Orange Chicken (THB195), and Cheese Chicken (THB235).
Himali would be an ideal place to take a vegetarian on a date, as they will surely be wooed by the upscale house-turned-eatery dining area, and there are ample vegetarian options. The Paleek Paneer, ringing in at a fair THB135, is hearty and the kitchen doesn’t go light on the cheese, though it certainly has an unexpected kick to it. The Bindi Masala(THB85), a mess of okra done up in a spicy dry rub, is another welcome unorthodox option.
If your date doesn’t happen to be vegetarian, though, give thought to ordering a “thali” plate, which is a large plate consisting of smaller portions of various items. Diners can choose 1 dhal, 2 vegetables, 1 mutton dish, 1 prawn dish, 1 yogurt, and Saffron rice and naan bread. Desert is also included. The thali platter rings in at a reasonable THB800.
FIND IT:
Himali Cha Cha
BTS Asok
Sukhumvit 31
