One for Thai food lovers

Thursday 2 February 2012, 10:52AM

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The Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort and Spa in Rawai has launched a Thai Food Lovers Night every Thursday at the resort.

Managing Director Hajo von Keller said the event was first launched several weeks ago when new head chef, Somchart “Joke” Payoonpitak arrived from Khao Yai.

For B400 (B340 if you hold a Rawai-Nai Harn Business Association card) you can eat from a buffet consisting of many traditional Thai dishes, including northern curry, chicken with cashew nuts, spicy mushroom salad, prawns wrapped in crispy noodles, and deep-fried morning glory.

Chef Somchart says the food is traditional food, cooked using fresh vegetables which are delivered daily from the local market. He started his first job at age 20 at the Dream Hotel in Bangkok, where he was a kitchen hand. Prior to that he worked in his parents’ Thai restaurant in Bangkok.

“I did not go to any training college to be a chef, but cooking is my passion,” he said.

Chef Somchart is most famed for his nam prik, chilli paste, which he makes fresh from minced pork, fresh prawns, palm sugar, galengal, kaffir lime leaves, lemon and other ingredients.

“Even though I am only 28 years old, I have lots of experience and lots of
things to show.”

– Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort and Spa’s Thai Food Lovers Night, Thursdays, 7pm to 9.30pm, bookings recommended.

See www.goldentulipmangosteen.com