The monsoons are the perfect season to get away to lusher, greener climates. And if you don’t want to go far, Khao Yai makes a good destination for a couple of days. The InterContinental Khao Yai makes an even better destination to stay, not only because of the quaintness of the resort but also because of its culinary offerings.
If you’re going to be stuck indoors listening to the pitter-patter of rain, the food needs to be good! Executive chef Nirut "Rut" Pochsalee oversees the resort’s dining outlets, three of which are in restored heritage railway carriages. Let us being the culinary journey (pun intended) in the all-day dining restaurant, Somying’s Kitchen, which serves Thai cuisine. The menu has dishes that showcase the finest locally-sourced ingredients from the area, highlighting the flavours of the region.
A true taste of Khao Yai, so to speak. Begin with the healthy stuff, because you know you’re only going to move on into more heartier fare. Somying’s garden salad is a mix of lentils, red beans, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomato and iceberg lettuce tossed in a lemon, yoghurt and peppermint dressing.
“The salad comes from local farmers with whom we collaborate with. We also have a herb garden on the property, where we grow produce that we use daily. Herbs like Thai basil, chillies, pandan, Thai betel leaves and a few flowers,” explains chef Rut, who has more than two decades of work experience in kitchens around the world.
I always find it rewarding to ord.
