The Bistro at The Beach (Koh Pha Ngan)

Open-air restaurant set by the pool of the Anatara Hotel, Koh Pha Ngan

Whilst I was on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, whizzing around on a scooter, it was almost idiotic to not jump in to the premier 5 star hotel on the North East tip to try some food.  This bistro was part of the Anatara chain and whilst was a very nice experience, summed up perfectly the equation: immaculate grounds, a privileged setting (guests can only use the pool if staying at the hotel), well-dressed staff and nicely presented food, that was hugely expensive compared to what you can get on the street and not actually that much heightened in terms of food.  Larb Pla was essentially a salmon tartare in a glass with shallots, rice powder, kaffir lime, coriander and banana crisps, the latter being a little too sweet for the salmon which had a huge kick of unannounced chilli.  The satay gai (chicken) was harmless, but I have had far more tender satay for far less in a Sunday market in Chiang Mai.

A lovely place, don’t get me wrong and £18 for these two starters and a very refreshing coconut is not the end of the world, but is also the textbook version of why dining in street stalls in the Far East can be far better when you can get sometimes better products at a fraction of the price.  Therefore, the price here is mainly for the overheads of the venue, rather than the quality of food.

Food Grade: 63%

Location