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Aaharn, could not be more straightforward to be the name of a restaurant, means "food" in Thai. Situated in the historic Tai Kwun, it is a renowned restaurant that offers an authentic culinary exploration of Thai cuisine.
Helmed by acclaimed chef David Thompson and awarded one Michelin star, Aaharn specializes in dishes made from the best quality and freshest ingredients sourced from Thailand. Featuring traditional techniques like hand-pressed coconut milk, it transports diners to Thailand through innovative yet wholly authentic cuisine.
AMUSE BOUCHE
- Ma Haw (7/10)
Meaning "galloping horses" in Thai, the amuse bouche was a delightful preview of the meal to come. Pairs of bite-size pineapple piece topped with a minced meat relish, they provided a cooling base against the lively mix of meats and herbs that awakened the senses.
STARTER
- Betel leaf w/ lobster, lemongrass & fresh shredded coconut (7.5/10)
- Northern Thai tomato relish w/ crunchy rice (8/10)
- Fresh rice vermicelli salad w/ scallop (8/10)
The tomato relish has stolen the show - piquant tomatoes, rice crackers and fiery chillis came together in a spicy dish but still offered a balance of savory and tart. Offering respite, the vermicelli salad balanced the heat with plump scallop and silky noodles. Each starter provided generous portions and twist on classics, leaving guests eagerly anticipating the meals still to come.
MAINS
- Grilled corn & river prawn salad (7/10)
- Chicken soup w/ vellow beans, basil & lime (8.5/10)
- Stir fried Thai greens (7.5/10)
- Red curry of Iberico pork cheek w/ pea eggplants (8/10)
- Thai iasmine rice
The mains delivered vibrant Thai flavors in abundance. I especially liked the chicken soup with citrusy yet appetizing undertone that left me yearning for another bowl. Generous amount of tender pork cheek soaked in creamy red curry comprised a highlight dish. While the curry lived up to Thai cuisine's reputation for heat, the rich and nuanced flavors far outweighed any spice. Substantial but light, I left fully satisfied yet not uncomfortably full.
DESSERTS
- Mango w/ sticky rice (7.5/10)
- Steamed rice dumpling w/ coconut & palm sugar (8/10)
A satisfying conclusion to the meal. The rice dumpling was a real star - exterior of shredded coconut added textural contrast to the soft rice, enclosing rich coconutty palm sugar. Both showcased local flavors and that Aaharn has mastered Thai desserts as much as their savory dishes.
Date: Aug 2023 weekday dinner