It will surprise no-one familiar with the 5-Star, Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort, that its Pirom authentic Thai restaurant excels in every aspect – for its quiet elegance, unsurpassed ambiance, and ease of locating & ready access – quite in addition to its unsurpassed Thai cuisine featuring delicacies from the Gulf.
And Pirom’s sunken cabanas – set low, spaced 6m apart and separated by water with its sound-absorbing properties – cancels out intrusive noise whilst retaining confidence of one’s own conversation. This is a perfect venue for tête-à-tête; a romantic proposal or a business discussion.
Hua Hin’s Intercontinental occupies prime, beachfront (think beach polo), about mid-point along Hua Hin’s famed 5km strand. The spacious resort complex extends all the way back to Hua Hin’s main Petchkasem thoroughfare, where it is connected by pedestrian overbridge to the classy new InterContinental Blúport wing and Shopping Mall.
Our à la carte experience featured six exquisite Thai dishes, each fastidiously prepared by superbly trained Chef’s in Pirom’s open kitchen – allowing aspiring gourmands to observe and pick up a few tips if they wish. An aperitif of the locally produced, Monsoon Valley Colombard, 2016 (an excellent complement to sea-food), with Prawn Chips and spicy dip appetizer set high expectations. These were amply met by six dishes, brought to the table concurrently in the traditional Thai style:
As delectable as it is visually appealing, ‘Poo Nim Kra Tieam Prik Thai’ is Pirom’s proprietary rendition of the local soft-shell crab; deep fried and served with garlic and black pepper – an absolute ‘must’ for anyone not familiar with this Thai delicacy.
A Steamed Whole Sea Bass, served with a tantalizing combination of Ginger and Chinese celery in a soya sauce, and Pirom’s choice of traditional spices, will tempt even the non whole-fish lover.
A tough choice but possibly the pièce de résistance, was ‘Phad Chaa Ta Lay’ – Pirom-style. Superbly wok-fried to retain flavor, Prawns, Squid and Scallops, complemented by Thai herbs and green peppercorn, in a proprietary sauce. This is a worthy tribute to this iconic, Hua Hin dish.
A close contender and perennial favourite is, ‘Ghoong Thord Sauce Ma Kham’; Jumbo Prawns, deep-fried and served with tamarind sauce. Just faultless.
– a perennial favourite.
Rounding out this selection of the Gulf of Thailand’s bounty, was the
‘Pla Proud Duean’. A delectable, deep fried whole sea bass and mixed seafood, in traditional green curry sauce, and prepared with Pirom’s unique flair for enhancing spices and rich, proprietary sauce.
And for western diners not replete without a sweet desert finale, a traditional Mango-with-Sticky-Rice. Again, Pirom-style – unsurpassed for the finest of ingredients, perfectly prepared faultlessly presented and just a hint of sesame lingering with the sweetness.
Access is along Hua Hin beach and through the Intercontinental’s luxurious, beach-side facilities, or immediately off Petchkasim Road on the seaward side. There is handy underground parking. Reservations are recommended:
Pirom Restaurant
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
33/33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin
Phone: +66 (0) 32 616999
ichh.rsvn@ihg.com