Article Source: What's On Glasgow
Last Updated: 29 September 2016 11:07
Somehow, calling Chaophraya a restaurant just doesn’t seem good enough. “Restaurant” doesn’t go anywhere near describing the impressive opulence of the spectacular building’s interior. It roams over several floors, fusing fabulous Victorian features like high ceilings and intricate cornices with typically-Thai golden Buddhas and pastel-coloured flowers. Who knew that a visit to Glasgow city centre could transport you effortlessly to the Land of Smiles?
Once settled at our table, smiles were most definitely on the menu, courtesy of the excellent staff, who are attentive but never intrusive. The service is impeccable, with nothing too much trouble.
If you sometimes feel that, hard as you try, a meal is generally a sprint rather than a marathon, then this is most definitely the place for you. We had three courses, and each was perfectly paced, with agreeable but never too-lengthy time between each.
And so to the food! Chaophraya’s recently launched a new menu, which is an eclectic mix encompassing everything from Thai steamed dumplings to slightly less traditional (OK, not at all traditional) sticky toffee pudding, though this does have a bit of a Thai twist. It’s clear that a lot of imagination and effort has gone into the menu, which has an air of sophistication, yet still has something for everyone. Whether you like your food as chilli-hot as possible, or edge towards the easier-on-the-palate end of the scale, there’s something to tantalise those tastebuds, and with a guide to heat on each menu entry, you can be sure you’ll not be gulping down water for the rest of the night unless you really want to.
The dishes at Chaophraya are most definitely more about taste than heat, with delicate flavours fusing together and creating taste sensations you’re keen to experience again and again. We had a Maeklong sharing platter to start, surely one of the most attractively-presented dishes we’ve ever laid eyes on. Spring rolls come nestled in a ring of cucumber, and flowers adorn the dish, which is finished off by a funkily-folded large leaf – such a shame to demolish what was almost a work of art, but demolish it we did. Similarly, sweetcorn fritters, pork and prawn dumplings and the best chicken satay we’ve ever had were all devoured within minutes, complemented by what was a first for us – a Thai Chenin Blanc (highly recommended.)
The mains followed in a similar fashion. Try as we might, the king prawns with ginger and samphire, and the lamb teriyaki, were consumed in double-quick time, the subtle flavours too much of an enticement for us to linger over. Tasting each other’s dishes, it was impossible to say which was the winner, with both earning top taste marks.
After a short rest, we decided that yes, we’d go for the whole 3 courses. The dessert menu is a fusion of East meets West, combining the best of both. May we highly recommend the Chocolate Bombe? A tennis-ball sized chocolate sphere melts in front of your eyes as hot caramel sauce is poured over it, revealing the Thai whiskey ice cream, honey and toasted sesame popcorn centre. Quite possibly the best dessert we’ve ever experienced (“tasted” just doesn’t cut it…)
Before we knew it, a couple of hours had passed effortlessly. We briefly talked of visiting Thailand for a holiday, but why bother when Chaophraya’s on our doorstep, ready and willing to transport us there without stepping on a plane?
Thailand may be the Land of Smiles, but after just one visit to Chaophraya, we were positively grinning!
Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MORECharity Super.Mkt, the 'department store for second-hand style' launched a year ago by Maria Chenoweth and Wayne Hemingway, will open its 17th location with a prime spot inside Buchanan Galleries!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREEllie Leach, reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, will make her stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett in the world premiere UK tour of Cluedo 2!
READ MOREThe exclusive 4-year deal will see fan-favourites like Pravha, Madri Excepcional and more on tap at Scotland's home of live entertainment.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MOREGlasgow Cocktail Week has officially kicked off with a first look at the event's new boujee bar Courtyard Bar and event space in the stunning surroundings of Princes Square.
READ MORE34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.
READ MOREBritish fashion label AllSaints has joined the line-up at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn, representing a fashion coup for the centre.
READ MOREGlasgow's most popular brunch series, VEGA's Brunch Project, will bring all of the 90s nostalgia and Ibiza island vibes to the city centre this spring for sky-high boujee brunches like no other.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to celebrate National Tea Day with a complimentary gift of tea and biscuits from the popular tea store, Whittard of Chelsea at Buchanan Galleries.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREButeFest, the much-loved family-friendly music festival on the Isle of Bute, has confirmed the lineup for this year's edition, set to take place between Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July.
READ MOREAye Write has confirmed stand-alone events and a smaller-scale version of Wee Write in 2024, instead of the full festival going ahead.
READ MOREGlasgow Cocktail Week has unveiled a series of cocktail trails mapping out the very best discounted drinks across the city including its first ever 'No and Low' trail.
READ MOREScotland's home of country, Maggie's Rock 'n' Rodeo, is inviting folk to grab the mic at its new Sunday afternoon event – The Hoedown Hoe-K-Oke, launching Sunday 5th May!
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREBroadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Glasgow in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!
READ MOREThe People's Palace, Glasgow will close its doors for the final time on Sunday 14th April, ahead of a major refurbishment.
READ MOREDon't miss out on the Baby & Toddler Show when it returns to Glasgow at the SEC, Glasgow on 19th - 21st April!
READ MOREThe Theatre Royal, Glasgow is one the latest venues set to see the National Theatre's global smash-hit production of War Horse visit as part of a major 18-month UK and Ireland tour.
READ MOREWith a new season brings new flavours and Glasgow Restaurant Week is set to shine a spotlight on the very best dishes and delights the city has to offer, when it kicks off tomorrow!
READ MOREFollowing its purchase by M Core in February, Buchanan Street’s iconic Princes Square has announced a trio of new tenants who will be opening stores in the centre.
READ MORECalling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!
READ MOREA project set up to ensure culture and heritage are at the heart of the regeneration of Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street has secured a significant grant to help achieve its vision.
READ MOREEnergy efficiency will take centre stage at this year’s Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Fleming Homes, when it returns to the SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREGlasgow International Comedy Festival has revealed 2024's edition was a record-breaking year, with the highest number of shows in the festival's history!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"