I visited Phuket in 2022 and looked forward to a meal that felt different from my usual choices. It was a company treat, and we left Pullman Arcadia Phuket Naithon Beach to enjoy a magnificent dinner at Suay Cherngtalay. The restaurant carried a Michelin recognition, and its modern take on Thai cuisine sparked my curiosity. I walked in with excitement, not pressure, and felt the warm atmosphere welcome me right away. Suay Cherngtalay offered elevated dining that still felt relaxed, and that alone made the evening memorable
Starters That Set the Mood
The meal began with starters that shaped the tone of the experience. The pomelo salad with grilled giant scallops tasted bright and refreshing. The sweetness of the scallops created a pleasant contrast that I enjoyed with every bite. The Thai leaf tempura arrived with grilled Cajun prawns in avocado sauce, and a tamarind dip. The dish tasted crisp and flavorful, and I paused for a moment to appreciate each detail. The lamb satay with peanut sauce and couscous salad brought richer flavors. It felt both familiar and new, and it showed how Suay Cherngtalay loved to balance textures.
A Soup Course You Can Personalize
The soup course surprised me with its interactive approach. The braised pork roll clear soup came with DIY Tom Sab condiments. I added the condiments slowly and watched the flavor shift with each mix. The grilled shiitake mushroom added depth, and the bowl highlighted the careful thought behind Suay Cherngtalay dishes. I enjoyed how the soup encouraged diners to explore flavors at their own pace.
Main Dishes With Comfort and Character
The mains arrived with vibrant plates and comforting notes. The grilled lemongrass lamb chops tasted tender and aromatic, and the papaya salsa added a fresh finish. The grilled tiger prawns came with Thai cucumber salad and salted egg sauce. The pairing offered heat and sweetness that felt balanced and inviting. The sea bass wrapped in banana leaf arrived with string bean salad and sea grapes. The dish carried a gentle tropical feel that reminded me of Phuket’s island charm. The crispy skin sous vide duck breast stood out as one of the highlights. The hot basil sauce lifted the flavors, and the perfectly crisp skin added a satisfying texture.
A Playful Ending to a Memorable Meal
Dessert arrived with a playful twist that caught my attention. The mango sticky rice spring roll turned a classic Thai dessert into something creative. The black sesame ice cream added nuttiness, while the flamed Thai mango brought sweetness and warmth. The combination felt fresh yet still rooted in tradition.
Why Suay Cherngtalay Stays With You
Dining at Suay Cherngtalay felt like a smooth introduction to a more refined side of Thai cuisine. The dishes carried surprises, yet stayed grounded in flavors I already loved. The experience remained warm, personal, and easy to appreciate, even for someone new to elevated dining. If you travel to Phuket and want a meal that blends comfort, creativity, and modern Thai flavors, Suay Cherngtalay deserves a spot on your itinerary. It offers a thoughtful journey through taste and atmosphere, and it leaves you with memories worth keeping.
