Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / In celebration of the upcoming summer months, Royal Osha, a luxurious Michelin-recommended Thai gourmet restaurant – a place to dine and celebrate with very special people in your life, as well as for festive occasions and dates – is expanding its menu to include the popular dishes Khao Chae and Khao Yum.

To offer an unparalleled gourmet experience, Royal Osha sources only the finest products and ingredients from around the world, as well as the freshest regional specialties from across Thailand. Reflecting Thailand's cultural diversity, popular local and seasonal dishes from the country's four regions – Central Thailand, Northern Thailand, Esaan, and Southern Thailand – have been carefully selected and incorporated into the à la carte and set menus. The concept is "Classic Thai Elegance Reimagined," where traditional Thai flavors meet international standards under the direction of Chef Vichit Mukura, who was awarded a Michelin star in 2020.

To kick off the summer season and celebrate the Thai New Year, Royal Osha and Chef and Partner Vichit Mukura proudly present their own interpretation of the traditional dishes Khao Chae and Khao Yum. Chef Vichit has carefully reinterpreted these refined and traditional recipes, using only the finest ingredients to delight even the most discerning palates without compromising the authenticity and character of the original recipes.

“Our mission is to offer both Thais and visitors to Thailand a new experience and a fresh perspective on traditional Thai cuisine,” says Suphapitch Pitayanukul, Managing Director of Royal Osha. “In our restaurant, traditional Thai cuisine is treated and interpreted with the utmost respect. Thai culture and lifestyle are reflected in our dishes.” To further promote its upscale Thai cuisine internationally, Royal Osha plans to open additional restaurants in New York and London.

“Every single dish on our menu is special,” says Khun Supapitch. “It was created with the utmost passion and care by Gavalin Pitayanukul, our Head of Research and Development, and by Chef Vichit Mukura, who was awarded a Michelin star in 2020, to ensure a truly exceptional fine-dining experience.” The result: Royal Osha has received numerous awards as the best restaurant from international gastronomy platforms.

To create an ambiance that reflects the art and culture of Thailand, guests are greeted upon entering the restaurant by a large-scale depiction of a scene from the epic Ramayana: Hanuman devouring Rama's dwelling to protect him from his captor. The entire restaurant is inspired by the opulence of a traditional Thai palace, where the dark interior provides a constant contrast to the golden accents. The traditional mural from the Ramayana is also featured on the mezzanine level, where an oversized chandelier adorned with gold jewels hangs above the main staircase—a replica of the headdress worn by traditional Thai dancers. This signature chandelier, traditionally Thai in concept and Western in execution, forms a striking contrast to the flowing lines of the modern furniture and the 3D mapping technology behind the moving art projection on the restaurant ceiling.

“Everything is designed to create an impressive and unforgettable culinary experience,” says Suphapitch. “Perfect for a special occasion or a celebration with loved ones.”

“Traditional Thai food should consist of seven tastes in one bite,” emphasizes Gavalin Pitayanukul, Head Chef for Research and Development. “Sweet, sour, salty, and fatty. The other tastes—bitter, tart, and astringent—come from the vegetables and herbs used in Thai cuisine, all of which possess many healing properties and are very beneficial to health.”

The healing properties of vegetables and herbs in Thai cuisine are often found in dishes like Tom Yum. The galangal root and lemongrass contained in Tom Yum are said to help with bloating and stimulate the appetite.

“The biggest difference between the food at Royal Osha and other fine dining restaurants,” says Gavalin, “lies in the preparation. Royal Osha’s in-house Michelin-starred chef pays meticulous attention to every single step of the food preparation process. We want Royal Osha to be the restaurant of choice. When people want to celebrate important occasions in their lives, we want them to think of Royal Osha first.”

“It is very important to us to source our products from the best local producers throughout Thailand,” she continues. “We also offer specialties from every region of the country so that our guests can sample the best local dishes from different parts of Thailand. The à la carte dishes and set menus are seasonal and reflect Thailand’s three seasons. Under the theme of ‘medicinal plants,’ the seasonal menus feature Thai vegetables and herbs with healing properties that promote well-being.”

“When eating, one should choose dishes with a balanced ratio of bitter, sour, and mild flavors to refresh the body,” says Chef Vichit Mukura, Michelin-starred chef and Executive Chef, as well as partner at Royal Osha. The recipes for Royal Osha’s Khao Chae and Khao Yum, passed down through generations of chefs, place particular emphasis on the selection of ingredients. This ensures the preservation of the original flavor, appealing presentation, and intense aroma. Only the finest jasmine rice is used, polished, and cooked to the perfect consistency. The water must have a pH of 8.8, as this is optimal for the body and creates the best interactions with the four fragrant flowers—chomanad, ylang-ylang, rose, and jasmine—used in the Khao Chae. Traditionally, Khao Chae is served with seven side dishes. "Loog Kapi Tod" (deep-fried shrimp paste balls), Prik Yuak Sod Sai (stuffed Asian peppers), "Moo Foy" (shredded sweet pork), "Hom Dang Sod Sai" (stuffed red onions), "Hua Chai Po Pad" (sweetly sliced ​​radish), and artfully carved fresh vegetables, including "Kachai," mango, and cucumber. The chef recommends enjoying "Kachai" with the "Kapi" balls, while mango and cucumber complement all the other dishes.

"Loog Kapi Tod" consists of farmed catfish, which is grilled over charcoal, filleted, and mixed with various herbs. Small balls are then formed, dipped in egg, and deep-fried until golden brown.

Khao Yum originates from southern Thailand. The dish is unique due to its combination of many different herbs, such as… which have… beneficial properties for the body. The crowning glory of Khao Yum is the dressing, which perfectly binds all the ingredients together.

With forty years of experience as a chef in Thailand and abroad, Chef Vichit has taken on the challenge of creating a Thai menu that shows the world that Thai food is far more than just street food – it is rich in tradition, culture, and ancient customs. Combined with carefully selected ingredients from around the globe, traditional Thai cuisine undoubtedly ranks among the best in the world.

Join us for delicious Khao Chae Chao Wang and Khao Yum at Royal Osha in Soi Ruam Rudee, Wireless Road, daily from today until May 31, 2021. Lunch: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Dinner: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM. Lunch: 880+ Baht per person, Premium Menu: 3,000++ Baht per person. Takeaway Khao Chae in gift boxes is available for 2,250 Baht per box with 48 hours' notice.