Review

Sitting majestically on the 21st floor of the Meliá Hotel, Mai Restaurant and Bar specialises in contemporary northern Thai cuisine using traditional culinary techniques combined with Mediterranean influences. The restaurant boasts spectacular views across the city and mountainous skyline, and the modern chic interior holds an intimacy that adds to the fine-dining experience. The management champions sustainability and supports the farming community and their local produce. Mai’s samplers is an appetiser to try, with five beautifully presented bite-sized tasters of deconstructed regional favourites building on flavours and heat, a skillfully crafted journey of tastes and textures. Caramelised pork, citrus tuna roll, shrimp in egg net, spicy tomato relish and northern sausage all feature. Signature mains include pappardelle soi neur, served in dry khao soi curry sauce with seared Australian beef and pickled vegetables. Pla salmon nam prik ong presents crusted Atlantic fillet on a bed of pandan leaf, pickled garlic and fragrant rice. Atop the fillet, the relish and side of grilled tomatoes balance acidity with savoury fermented soybeans and shrimp paste. For dessert, head for the kanom Thai set, a treasure box of sweet gems. A quality list of speciality cocktails and fine wines is available to partner the cuisine. Mai Restaurant and Bar serves up a splendid 360 fine dining experience in all respects.