Chilli season

A casualty of the MCD sealing drive,the picturesque restaurant Thai Wok,perched atop the Ambawatta Shopping Complex in the midst of bustling Mehrauli has reopened after almost three years,this time as Thai High. Besides the spectacular view of the Qutab Minar and the rickety elevator ride to the 4 th storey,pretty much everything else has changed: Thai High is a lot swanker than it used to be and two of the three original promoters have changed.

Golden Buddhas greet you at the entrance while a charming little waterfall in a small tropical garden are the points of focus on the terrace. The bright orange walls and honey hued pagodas are reminiscent of how Thai Wok used to look. The indefatigable 30-something Payal Jauhar who started Thai Wok with two partners in 2001,is a seasoned restaurateur whose most recent venture in Mumbai,Bohemia,a modern European diner,in her words,“was a complete disaster”. Before that Jauhar had opened Congo in Goa in partnership with Malini Ramani that started off well but fizzled out quickly. “We got embroiled in all sorts of legal issues and I decided to shut them down,” says Jauhar,who’s returned to Delhi after 6 years. Here,it seems she has a winner,though the eating out environment has changed dramatically in three years,with several new malls and eateries having opened close by. Jauhar is unperturbed and says she’s had a terrific response in the 7 nights she’s been open. “Tonight,I’ve done about 90-covers and I’ve sold over 80 desserts. People are open to experimenting with food so much more,” she says.

Spread over two levels (and a second terrace for private dining),the area is almost 10,000 sq ft. Thai High’s terrace is simply stunning and ideal for dining between October and March. For starters we tried Kai Yang Takrai (Rs 275),grilled chicken that was delicately flavoured with lemon grass and Yam Phak Krob (Rs 250),a well made tamarind salad. The menu is extensive and complicated so take your time over it. In the main course,the Pla Ka Pong (Rs 450) a deep fried red snapper in chilli is a must try,while the staple,Green Thai Curry (Rs 325) was indistinguishable. A special mention must be made of the Bud Teas (Rs 175),in flavours like Rose,Daisy and Thousand Years that is an exotic flower that opens up in steaming water,with just a hint of tea in it.

Meal For Two: Rs 2,500
Alcohol License Awaited
For reservations call : 26641796,26644289 log on to http://www.thaihigh.in