A culinary voyage to a far-flung destination is one of my favourite things to experience on the weekends. Add in an extensive vegan menu and my heart will irrefutably skip a beat.

Nestled within the tropical gardens of Jumeirah Al Qasr, Pad Thai has imaginatively captured the essence of Thailand with its traditional décor and magnificent terrace (hugged by Madinat Jumeirah’s waterway). Celebrating an exquisite mix of classic dishes with an emphasis on fine ingredients, more of a ritual than a meal, dinner here is designed to be shared with colourful dishes that appeal to all of the senses.

Conceptualised by newly appointed Head Chef Amara Mahayothee, a carefully curated Flavours of Summer set menu has been crafted to showcase the venue’s very best. Paying homage to Thailand’s aromatic flavours, dishes include steamed seabass in garlic, chili and lime sauce, and wok-fried beef with Thai broccoli in oyster sauce. Plant-based creations such as vegetable dim sum and wok-fried tofu with chili, cashew nuts and soy sauce hit all of the high notes.

Be sure to save room for dessert, with highlights including the sweet sticky mango rice with coconut ice cream and the traditional tub tim krob (crispy water chestnuts in coconut milk with crushed ice) – my personal favourite.  

Finish the evening with an abra ride through Madinat Jumeirah’s pretty waterways under the star-lit cloak of the night sky, for an unforgettable experience that will truly make you feel as if you’re on vacation, if only for the night.

Visit Jumeirah.com/paithai and follow @Paithaidubai on Instagram.

Images courtesy of Pad Thai