The ground floor of the new Carrefour hypermarket on
Central Pattaya Road has become renowned, in a very short time, for the food
outlets it has there. Many of these are world-wide franchises, but one is a
very Thai enterprise. This is the brightly coloured Yum Saap Restaurant,
located between KFC on one side and Subway on the other.
Yum
Saap is a franchise, with this being the only outlet in Pattaya; however,
there are 28 branches in Bangkok and another in Sriracha. Being part of a
very tightly controlled group, this does mean that the standards are kept
high, and in fact all the staff are sent to train in the Silom central
Bangkok branch before being allowed to work in the provincial franchises.
The standard of hygiene is without reproach. The cooking
staff in their grey and white uniforms have their heads covered, and wear
gloves, and the ingredients they are working with are very fresh. This
preparation and cooking is also in full view of the diners. Yum Saap has
nothing to hide! The hygiene also covers the cleanliness of the entire
restaurant area, tables and seating.
Yum Saap is perhaps one eatery that many expats have
passed by, thinking that it was entirely directed towards the local Thai
population, but this is not correct. The menu for example, is totally
pictorial, and the dishes are clearly marked in English. And then there is
‘Ice’, a charming young bilingual lady who is ready to help the
foreigners, explain any dishes and take your orders. It’s ‘nice’ (and
easy) with ‘Ice’!
Take time to peruse the rather large menu, and note that
it begins with a ‘Kid’s Menu’ with most of the items around B. 55. The
next section covers appetizers, such as steamed crab fillet, and there is
nothing over B. 69.
MaMa noodles are well covered (under B. 49) as are som
tum choices (under B. 45). Thai salads, such as with Chinese white mushrooms
are all under B. 55, and soups are also less than B. 50.
Rice dishes, plus a curry, or fried chicken, shrimp or
mackerel are only B. 59, whilst the most expensive dishes are still under B.
69. There are also ‘sets’ that come as a main item plus soup, with most
around B. 55.
We tried many dishes (too many!) but were left with
nothing but admiration at the way the busy chefs could produce such good
food, and so quickly, and at the same time with excellent presentation. The
size of the serves was generous, and I was particularly taken with the gaeng
keowan (green curry), which had a wonderful flavour and was not at all
spicy. It was, as the name means - sweet green curry!
There are some dishes that even the British expats would
recognize, such as a deep-fried fish which came in an excellent batter, and
was not oily at all. Another dish I enjoyed was the deep-fried vegetables
(like a tempura), with its own sauce, but there was no dish that I really
did not like.
When I looked at the total concept of Yum Saap, I came to
the conclusion that where else can you feed a whole family in
air-conditioned comfort, dining in spotlessly clean surroundings, for under
200 baht? Well presented food that is suitable for both the Thai and the
‘farang’ tastes. Particularly when you realize that the food has been
cooked to your order, not just fished out of a large pot that has been
slowly incubating for the past four hours. I was impressed by the pride
shown not just by the management (and the lovely Khun Ice) but also by the
chef and cooks.
This restaurant is probably ideal for expat husbands with
Thai wives, or even foreigners who would like to try some authentic Thai
food, but are naturally a little hesitant to do so at outside food stalls.
Next time you are shopping at Carrefour try it. (Or even when you’re not
shopping at Carrefour!)
Yum Saap, Ground floor Carrefour (between KFC and Subway), Central
Pattaya Road, open seven days, 9 a.m. till 10 p.m. Secure undercover
Carrefour parking.
