Page 66 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

FOOD AND DRINK

When preparing yourself for a meal
chock-full of classic favourites and rich
and flavourful dishes, I would suggest
starting off with a refreshing tipple or two
from Al Saray’s selection of mocktails and
cocktails. As a gin lover, I made a beeline
for the Rose drops (THB 250), comprised of
Tanqueray London dry gin, rose lemonade,
and lime juice, with rose syrup and rose
water giving the drink its distinctive colour
and delicately-floral taste. If you’d like to
forgo alcohol, I would recommend their
Pineapple yuzu fizz (THB 165) mocktail,
which has pineapple juice, lemon and a
zesty punch in the form of yuzu pulp and
puree, all topped with soda water.

Starting off light, we began with the
Fattouch (THB 180) salad, a fresh start to
any meal and sure to whet your appetites
with its tangy dressing. Of course, no
Lebanese meal is complete without an array
of dips, which, as aforementioned, was the
part of the meal I was particularly looking
forward to. And to no one’s surprise, Al
Saray did not disappoint. We opted for the
Mutabale batenjan (THB 190), smoked
eggplant with the perfect amount of tahini,
plated beautifully with pomegranate and
raspberries; the Walnut muhamara (THB
220) which can often be too sweet, but this as we then tucked into their capacious Al
iteration had a judicious amount of sweet Saray Special Mixed Grilled (THB 1,799)
red pepper and pomegranate molasses and platter. A true cornucopia of delights, this
was extremely moreish; and of course, a one’s for the meat lvoers among us, and MASALA
plate of classic Hummus (THB 165), whose is comprised of lamb skewers, lamb kofta, RECOMMENDS
texture was a silky delight. To pair with the chicken kofta, shish tawook, chicken wings,
dips, the menu has an entire page dedicated lamb arayes and lamb chop; Al Saray’s The Prawns biryani (THB 450) was a
to different types of bread, and we chose delightful blend of both flavours embodied unanimous favourite, and will be sure
some filling Plain naan (THB 35); Lebanese in a single outsized dish. Easily enough for to have mass appeal. Aromatic in the
bread (THB 20) or pitafor the traditionalists a group of four or more, it’s a dish whose extreme, it came piping hot and we
among us; and my personal favourite, Garlic robust flavours and abudnance needs to be would have been willing to lick the pot
naan (THB 40). A side consisting of a plate shared with others. clean afterwards.
of deep-fried Falafel (THB 260) with that
perfect crunch, and I was nearly replete – If you still have room in your stomach
but of course, we had just started. for more, and to offset the rich and heavy AL SARAY – SATHORN
flavours of the meats, make sure to sample
For the slightly adventurous among us, don’t some of Al Saray’s array of sublime desserts. 27/1 Piphat Bangrak Bangkok 10500
miss out on Al Saray’s signature Cherry The three we had were a particular treat
kabab (THB 340), comprised of lamb and and some of the highlights of the whole Open daily from 11.30am to midnight
cherry sauce, which is a unique iteration meal, from the crunchy Othmaliyeh bil Tel: 02 116 3317
that surprisingly balances out the gamey ashta (THB 320), comprised of konafa
darkness of the lamb with the sweet tartness dough, cream, blossom water and crushed Instagram: @alsaraybkk
of the cherry. If you still want more lamb pistachio, which was a particular delight; to www.alsarayrestaurant.com
and are craving more Indian flavours, the the Mohalabieh (THB 180) a milk pudding
Lamb rogan gosh (THB 399) is a favoured concoction that was a creamy treat; and VIEW VIDEO:
North Indian classic in a smooth brown the Oum ali (THB 260), made with bread
onion gravy, and is definitely worth ordering. pudding, mixed nuts and blossom water
The boneless lamb is tender in exactly the which surprised me with how heartwarming
right way, and the dish will leave you craving it was. Truly, a meal to remember and one
more, which was incidentally lucky for us, that should be shared with your loved ones.

66 | MASALA MAGAZINE AUG-SEP 2024