Chaophraya Aberdeen | Review

Hello Again (Sawasdee)

Last week an exciting email graced my inbox, it was an invitation for me plus one to go to the Launch Night of the new exquisite Thai Restaurant Chaophraya.

A little bit about Chaophraya (chow-pry-ä), it takes it's name from the main waterway in Thailand. In ancient times the Chaophraya river breathed life into the families who lived along it's banks. Today the river is still regarded as part of the essence of Thailand which is where they take their inspiration from. The menu features a combination of both classic and contemporary dishes, each designed to capture the essence of the different regions of Thailand. Throughout their journey the company has invested in it's core value of 'Ow Jai Sai' which translates from Thai into 'We care about everything' - these words can actually be seen on the collars of the staff's uniforms.

So as Sam and I arrived we were greeted beautifully and shown to a lovely table in the main dining room. There are little tables up the sides of the grand room with wooden clad luxurious booths at the rear but in the middle there was a beautiful seating area which was very spacious and decorated tastefully.

Before we even looked at the menu we ordered up some drinks, Sam went for the Chang Beer and I chose the Gentleman Badger long cocktail which had Pimms, Gentleman Badge Sloe Gin, Ginger Ale and Lemonade and it was so rich and sweet - delicious!

For our starter we decided on a sharing platter which is also their most popular, the Maeklong Platter. It consisted of chicken satay which was gorgeous, some pork and prawn dumplings, chicken spring rolls, soft shell crab and asparagus tempura. Everything on this platter was really good - it's a good variation of food and was a great choice.

The mains! This is what secured us going back for sure. Here is the star who stole the show, Sam's main, The Chicken with Plum Sauce. First of all, the presentation of everything at Chaophraya is a solid 11 out of 10 - it's that good, see for yourself!

The Chicken in Plum sauce is coated in panco breadcrumbs deep fried and served with pineapple and melon and soaked in a beautiful sweet plum sauce. When we go back, not if, when, I will be choosing this! Sam ordered a side of egg fried rice to go along with it.

For my main I went for the Thai Green Chicken Curry, something that I have never had before and I was pleasantly surprised. I usually like mild food but even though it had two chillies next to it on the menu to indicate medium spice I went for it. The tender chicken was simmered in coconut milk and served along with Thai aubergine, sugar snap peas and was garnished with red chillies and basil leaves. This dish was spicy but not in an overpowering way. It was full of flavour and went really well with a side of Jasmine rice, which is how I had it.

Desert - we barely had room but we just had to have the full experience so Sam chose the Chocolate Bombe. Upon arrival this was covered in a hot caramel sauce to reveal some Thai Whiskey ice cream and some honey and toasted sesame coated popcorn all served upon a meringue pedestal. There were no complaints from him actually there was practically no speaking from him whilst eating it as he was savouring every mouthful.

Before heading to Chaophraya I had looked at the menu and this dessert definitely caught my eye, The White Chocolate Box. A white chocolate mousse with a raspberry coulis centre on top of butter shortbread and as you can see it was beautifully presented along with fresh berries, edible flowers, meringue and a macaroon. This really was delicious, nice and light and very sweet - just how I like it.

If that hasn't got your stomach rumbling then I don't know what will. Sam and I were both in agreement that this is one of the, if not the best meal we've ever had. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, the staff are polite and make sure you have everything you need (they will even crack your napkin). I have no complaints. Thank you so much to Chaophraya for having us along, we will be back.

You can find Chaophraya on the corner of Union Street and Union Terrace Gardens, previously known as the Monkey House.