Songkran, also known as the traditional Thai New Year festival, is a celebration that marks the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. Here are the best places to celebrate in Dubai.
Lao
Look no further than the atmospheric Lao at Waldorf Astoria Dubai The Palm for an authentic taste of Thailand. Throughout April, the restaurant will be holding its annual Songkran festival, featuring a special four-course menu. Expect delectable Thai dishes such as Nue Yang (grilled beef with spicy tamarind sauce), Poh Tak Hoi Shell (hot and spicy scallop soup), Phad phed Gea Yang (marinated grilled lamb chops), and Woon Kati (coconut milk jelly with sweet potato and ice cream). Available from Friday 1 April to Saturday 30 April, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
GO: Email dxbpd.reservations@waldorfastoria.com or call 04 818 2222 for reservations and more information.
Pai Thai
Pai Thai on the waterways of Jumeirah Al Qasr has curated a special Songkran edition of its Five Tastes of Thailand menu for guests to enjoy this Thai New Year. The signature menu showcases the five key flavours of Thailand – bitter, spicy, savoury, sour and sweet, taking guests on a sensory culinary journey. On arrival, guests will be greeted by a traditional water ceremony and enjoy hand-made Songkran decorations that adorn the restaurant. Starters include the Gai Hor Bai Toey (marinated chicken wrapped in pandan leaves), Chor Muang (purple flower chicken dumpling), and Som Tam Pai Thai (green papaya salad). Mains feature Gaeng Massaman Nuea (braised beef massaman curry) and Gaeng Panang Goong (tiger prawns in a creamy red curry sauce). The meal ends with Kao Niew Ma Muang (purple sweet sticky rice topped with ripe Thai mango). Available from Friday 8 April to Sunday 17 April, from 6pm to 11:30pm. AED 590 for two people.
GO: Call 04 432 3232 for reservations and more information.
The Thai Kitchen
The Thai Kitchen at Park Hyatt Dubai will celebrate Thailand’s traditional New Year’s festival with a specially curated three-course set menu. Choose from starters, including som tum salad, gai satay and por pia pak, before moving onto signature main courses like stir fried prawn with chili lemongrass, Thai green curry, spicy minced beef with hot basil and kao pad pak. The experience will be completed with Thai sticky rice and coconut ice cream. Available from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 April, from 6:30pm to 11:30pm. AED 165 per person (three-course set menu).
GO: Call 04 602 1814 for reservations and more information.
