Tags
Ariyasom, Bangkok, dessert, mushrooms, Na Aroon, papaya salad, red curry, Thailand, wing bean salad
Na Aroon restaurant in Bangkok’s AriyasomVilla hotel is one of the spots I visit on each trip. It’s in a 1940s style house that’s indoors/outdoors, with huge open windows and a patio. Even though it’s right in the city, the Villa is set back at the end of a small street that seems worlds away from the noise and bustle.
The restaurant serves mostly vegetarian food with some seafood. The cuisine isn’t exactly traditional Thai – the food is less spicy and intense – but it’s fresh and flavorful. And although the prices are higher than most other Thai restaurants in town, they are still completely reasonable at $3-5 per dish.
I like to start with wing bean salad with fried shallots and egg, and papaya salad (som tam), since it’s hard to find it without fish sauce. My favorite second course is red curry with mock duck and fruits. It’s mild, fragrant, and a little sweet, with grapes and chunks of pineapple. I also enjoy the crispy mushrooms with fresh green peppercorns (a bit greasy so better for sharing) and stir-fried mock chicken with cashews and chilis.
There is a Western food section on the menu with pastas and such but I’ve never gotten around to exploring it. Definitely save room for dessert through – the owner takes special pride in baking fantastic crumbles. Usually apple is on the menu but during my last visit he managed to score some rhubarb.
When you want a tranquil meal in Bangkok without leaving the city, head to Na Aroon. And, if you want to really splurge during your stay, consider staying at AriyasomVilla itself. The closest I’ve gotten is jealously snooping around the pool and trying to peek inside rooms (creepy?), but a couple of friends did stay there last year and really loved it.
Sukhumvit Soi 1 (end of street)
Phloen Chit BTS station