Celebrating Provenance

These upscale resorts in Southeast Asia present richly flavoured local fare prepared by passionate culinary

- AMY VAN

If your idea of the perfect holiday is slowing down and unwinding over spice-laden sharing platters by the balmy sea, the following tropical destinations are for you. The restaurants executed flavours woven with local seafood and farm fresh produce. The experience is complete with picture-perfect views of the waters and the surrounding waters and lush greenery.

Pure authenticity

Going to Ta Khai is akin to being invited to a house party at a fisherman’s village. You get to experience gracious hospitality and fabulous food while soaking in the convivial atmosphere.

Diners can choose to sit at either the open-air pavilion overlooking the sparkling sea or the glass enclosed dining space, illuminated with the glow of pretty lanterns and candles.

This one-of-a-kind restaurant at Rosewood Phuket is dedicated to local seafood lovingly prepared by Uncle Nun and Aunty Yai (Rotkaew “Nun” and Sangchan “Yai” Suttitummanon). For more than 20 years, the married couple operated the Kook Thai food stall in Trang province (southeast of Krabi). Subsequently, they ran the kitchen at the now defunct Pak Nam Seafood restaurant in Ratsada, just outside Phuket Town. When Rosewood Phuket opened in 2017 (the brand’s first Southeast Asian resort) the owners decided to engage the couple to helm the property’s authentic Thai seafood restaurant.

Every night at Ta Khai's open kitchen, you will see Aunty Yai rustling up a range of curries and Uncle Nun firing the wok nearby. Whether it's a simple omelette, stir-fried vegetables, or spicy crustacean - everything is prepared with much passion and dedication. The affable couple who oversees the culinary operations here are always offering a warm smile to guests.