Truly Thai

Now that Delhi has become addicted to the low on calories, high on flavour Thai cuisine, restaurants specialising in it have sprung up in...

Now that Delhi has become addicted to the low on calories, high on flavour Thai cuisine, restaurants specialising in it have sprung up in every nook and corner of the city. The latest addition is Lemon Grass, conveniently located at South Extension Part 8212; II.

Started by Busabong Nanakul, a Thai who wants Delhiites to be exposed to the authentic stuff, Lemon Grass is the place to stop at for the real flavour of the cuisine. She prides herself on the food she serves, replenish with the subtle combination of spices, herbs and fresh ingredients, whether the dish be hot or comparatively bland.

Lemon Grass offers all these and more. Though it opened its doors three weeks ago, the restaurant has managed to draw attention from the food aficionados in town. The crowds at mealtimes has the owner already thinking in terms of expansion. 8220;This is just a trial period and I have lots of changes in mind,8221; she says.

With only space for 50 people, the restaurant sometimes fails to accommodate those who come from far for a good meal. In an effort not to disappoint guests, the restaurant will start free home delivery for a radius of 3 km from next week. At no extra charge, the service comes on a minimum order of Rs 500.

The authenticity of the cuisine is the selling point, naturally. Sous Chef Piamual and Chef Sudsakron Khandongling from Bangkok have added new flavour to the dishes served here by bringing in their expertise to make a meal here a truly Thai experience.

If you like the smell of lemon grass, which is prominent in almost Thai dishes, you will enjoy your meal here. Take the popular Thai Tom Yum soup, which is hot and sour and is served with a strong dash of lemon grass, galangal and kafir leaves. This taste excellent with pieces of chicken. Another option is a slightly different version of Tom Yum, called Tom Kha. This is cooked in coconut milk and served with a sprinkling of vegetables.

Veggies should try it with mushroom while the carnivores can enjoy it with pieces of chicken, prawn or fish. After the soup, we settled for Satay Kai, which is pieces of marinated chicken grilled on bamboo sticks. Served with peanut sauce, this is ravishingly tasty. You could also opt for Por Pia Thod, a typical Thai vegetable spring roll. This is refreshingly light and ideal as a snack. Khao Phad, a special lemon grass fried rice with shredded chicken and pineapple is a good choice for the main course.

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You can also settle for Khao Plaw, a steam rice with Phad Phak Ruam Mit, stir fried mixed vegetable dish cooked in garlic and soya sauce. Another worth sampling is Khaeng Pa-Nang, a thick spicy red curry, blended with grounded peanut, cooked in coconut cream and garnished with basil leaves and kaffir leaves. The smell of basil and kaffir leaves strongly enhances the flavour. This has a choice of chicken, lamb or pork which non-vegs would enjoy.

A pleasingly delight for the vegetarians is Khaeng Keow Warm Phak, which is a spicy vegetable curry delicately blended with fragrance and flavour. This is cooked in creamy coconut milk and quite filling.

The menu is exclusively Thai when it comes to dessert. Kha-Nom Thai Ruam is an assorted Thai dessert which is good change from the usual ice-cream one goes for. It8217;s made with rice flour and grated coconut cooked in milk. Pol-La-Mai Sod is an assortment of fresh fruit, a healthy way to end a meal.

From the cuisine to the service, Lemon Grass has what it takes to leave that impression. No harm checking out this place for a memorable Thai meal.