A delightful and also romantic atmosphere at Pachaylen is eclipsed by the prodigious work that goes on in the kitchens!

Because the ambiance may very well be elegant and conducive to an enjoyable meal with your loved one or friends, but ultimately it is the food that is at the heart of a really fine dining experience – and, as such, Pachaylen delivers with superlative grace.

Thai food is world-famous because it is simply delicious; but, as an expression of wider Thai culture, the cuisine very much represents the gracious attention to detail that embodies care and respect of others, and particularly dinner guests.

Artistic presentation of dishes is second-nature to Thais, and this can be seen even by primary school children taking classes in fruit and vegetable carving.

Sometimes playful…

…and at other times more formal.

But at all times, delicious!

Ingredients are naturally fresh, and the dishes sing their own song depending on the blend of spices and herbs. For instance, below, long fresh peppercorns, red chili peppers, and a stalk of coriander set the pace.

Curry pastes are normally the starting point of a recipe, and at Pachaylen a succulent lamb shank creation of culinary genius is bathed in a sauce of epic proportions – please you must try this dish!

Creativity is part of the game, and the Pachaylen Chefs are constantly experimenting, and the results are excellent!

Also served are traditional Thai favorites, which have become household names with food lovers around the world, such as Tom Yam Kung and Tom Kha Kai, below:

Perhaps the finest surprise of the evening, though, came from the young Chef, Saranya Tolongmat (Sun), who presented us humbly with her latest dessert creation.

A localized adaptation of a Thai favorite, a very clever use of Emirati dates in a glutinous dumpling, with coconut cream and lovely crunchy garnish – superb!

Overall, for an evening out to titillate the palate and experience a unique and sophisticated fine-dining journey away from everyday life, to travel mentally if not physically beyond the normal and into the exceptional, Pachaylen is a top culinary destination of Abu Dhabi.