It is in very few occasions that one is able to feel as if he is in middle of the Mediterranean coast enjoying a succulent and traditional Hellenic meal. However, this is exactly what happened when our Hot Magazine team was invited to Hua Hin’s very own Greek Taverna restaurant.
This cosy little establishment, a few blocks from the Hilton, transports your senses to the heart this iconic country. Once seated we felt like we were overlooking the white houses of Mykonos’ landscape, something that already set the mood. Classic Greek music led by the strumming of a gentle Laouto welcomed us and continued to play throughout our stay.
The first plate to arrive was an impressive Greek Salad complete with cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, olives and feta cheese dressed in a lemon garlic sauce. This was a very subtle dish; it brought a fresh taste to the mouth with a zesty sourness from the dressing, which was beautifully balanced with the feta cheese – for me this was the highlight of the dish: creamy, soft and light to the palate.
In the midst of this entre, we were served Greece’s most typical aperitif beverage: a cold glass of Ouzo. Ouzo is a transparent anise-flavoured liquor that is typically mixed with water and turns cloudy, with a hint of light blue due to the reaction with it. It was an incredibly intricate taste, dry to palate with an expressive but not clingy hint of anise, which left a very pleasant aftertaste. This drink set a wonderful tone to the evening, a must-try if you are a fan of experimental beverages.
Then came the Musaka. This very typical Greek casserole was nicely presented, with a mix of pork, beef and potato in an eggplant shell and a béchamel topping. On the side was a serving of garlic bread and a salad in a lettuce shell. This was a very well balance dish, it felt original, homemade, the type of food grandmothers cook and grandchildren crave. Soft and creamy in texture and with a resounding aftertaste. A great delight.
But if I should speak of delight, I’d be foolish not to praise the Pikiliaskaras platter that was brought to us as a main course. This was the ultimate combination of Greek-styled meat. Consisting of a mixed grill, it contained a succulent assortment of spiced pork and chicken on skewers, the famous Greek Bifteki and some baked potato wedges. This was presented along with a plate of creamy Tzatziki and a round of pita bread that truly delighted the senses. I began the exploration of this dish by trying the two types of meat bruschetta: as I tucked into the meats, I noticed how tender these were, quickly dissolving across my palate and filling my mouth with a smoky aroma that permeated throughout the bite. One could say the same of the Bifteki, which brought a beautiful and more defined taste, with the typical strength of an impeccably seasoned burger. The potatoes gave it a great backing, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside: I could already see they were confectioned to perfection through their wonderful golden colour and wrinkling skin, the taste just confirmed the predictions. What gave it the edge however was the Tzatziki: an incredibly rich dish of yogurt combined with an assortment of cucumber and garlic dill. Combined with the pita bread dip, it presented a beautiful balance of cream, zest, tanginess, freshness and delight – a real treat.
Finally, we were presented with a delicious sweet ending: for dessert, it was Baclavas. These traditional sticky, sweet, flaky and nutty rolls were a truly delightful way of ending the meal. Slightly crunchy and thoroughly aromatic, this honey-hinted treat made sure to entice me and my urges to return in the near future.
As a whole, the experience at this beautifully decorated and Mediterranean-styled restaurant was well worth the visit. The staff were thoroughly helpful and attentive and our evening was truly delightful. You do not have to go to Greece anymore; you can just go to the Greek Taverna.
58 Naresdamri Road
098 463 3622