Jomtien is rapidly making itself the culinary capital of the
Eastern Seaboard, with yet another fine dining restaurant opening up. This time
it is Indian by Nature, situated in the new Chateau Dale Plaza (the opposite leg
of the “U” shape from Bruno’s).
Even from the outside, this restaurant looks ‘different’.
This is one establishment that the architects can be proud of. Even without the
signage, this is an Indian restaurant, and the 300 year old palace doors,
imported from Jodhpur, set the tone as you enter.
Inside it is certainly an Indian palace. Two royal court
musicians, one on the ‘Tablas’ (Indian ‘bongo’ drums) and the other on
the Sitar immediately transport you to a mystical India and you are entranced
before you even sit down.
On
your table are large, hammered, polished stainless steel plates inscribed with
“Indian by Nature”, accompanied by hand-crafted cutlery and heavy linen
napkins. In one corner of the restaurant is a sit-up bar, while at the rear is a
fully glass cased tandoor kitchen. And along the other side are the musicians,
for whom you would happily pay to go and listen to their concert.
The menu comes encased in red leather and offers not just
information on the items on offer, but some details on Indian history and
jewelry. Did you know that the legendary Koh-i-Nur diamond was originally set in
a ‘Bazuband’ (armband)? I certainly did not.
If you are unsure of how to order Indian food, then turn
immediately to the last page for their Thali set menus at B. 450. One is also
vegetarian. These have eight items that are selected to complement each other,
and to give the novice a good overall view of Indian cuisine.
For
those who are proficient and conversant with Indian cuisine, the menu begins
with Tandoori Specialities, with the majority around B. 300 and includes various
Tikkas and Kebabs made from prawns, fish, chicken and lamb.
The next section is called ‘Other Unique Selections’ (B.
180-250) with Coconut Saffron Prawns and Amritsari Machli (deep-fried marinated
sole), and these are followed by Samosas, Pakoras and Poppadums (B. 80-220) plus
a Tandoori Platter for two at B. 450.
After these there are Soups and Salads (B. 80-200), some
Raitas (B. 120) and then into the Mains. These cover chicken, crab, prawn and
lamb and are generally in the B. 250-300 range.
Vegetarian items are next (B. 150-200) and then the Dals (B.
160-250), flowed by the Thalis and breads.
The drinks list has wines from as low as B. 850 with the
South African Chenin Blanc a good choice in the whites and Tyrrells Premium Brut
at B. 950 my pick in the reds. For those who like beer with their Indian food,
the Indian Kingfisher is on offer at B. 120.
The Dining Out team tried many items (including the set menu
for Miss Terry) and straight away I was hooked by the Kathi Roll. A spiced
chicken dish, presented rolled in flat unleavened bread with onion slices,
capsicum and mint chutney. This was sensational! Try it!
Many items came complete with copper food warmers, and the
entire evening was one of indulgence (and overindulgence at times). Every item
was presented as if it were to guests at an Indian palace, even the breads in
their own special basket with ‘ears’ to keep the breads warm. Nothing has
been left to chance.
This new venture for the owners is one that Pattaya can be
proud of. It is indeed a restaurant with fine dining decor, producing fine
dining food. In all ways it impresses. Ambience, service and food. Quite frankly
it has the best Indian food I have tasted in a very long time. Flavours,
flavours, flavours! And the Kathi Roll alone would have me coming back to this
restaurant. If you enjoy Indian food you must try it. If you are uncertain about
Indian food, you must go and be converted. Highest recommendation possible.
Indian by Nature, 306/64-68 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Jomtien.
Telephone 038 364 656, fax 038 364 646, 07 147 3417. Secure parking outside.
Lunch from 12 noon, dinner 6 p.m. till late.
