60%Mayompuri

What can you expect if you head for dinner to chaotic traveller’s paradise Khaosan Road besides cheapjack food and loveless service for hippies? No doubt, we all love tasty and inexpensive Phad Thai or juicy chicken skewers after a night out in one of Banglampoo’s hot spots. But: Is there a... more What can you expect if you head for dinner to chaotic traveller’s paradise Khaosan Road besides cheapjack food and loveless service for hippies? No doubt, we all love tasty and inexpensive Phad Thai or juicy chicken skewers after a night out in one of Banglampoo’s hot spots. But: Is there a place, where you really can have a dining experience? With delicious foods? Cozy atmosphere? Friendly service? Mayompuri – the “Siam Garden Bar” – promises a difference. The venue is situated at Chakraphong Road, just a short walk from Khaosan Road away. Reason enough for us to discover and find out if they promise us the moon. As you enter this alfresco restaurant you feel like in the middle of an oasis. The gentle breeze of the huge fans let you forget that you are within Bangkok’s concrete jungle. The interior design with water ponds, waterfalls, plants, trees and nice lighting gives Mayompuri, especially at night time, a peaceful and relaxing ambiance, backed by easy listening music. By now they hold their promise. When it comes to food Mayompuri regrettably can’t hold the level anymore. Though most dishes are still worth a try or even delicious, they can never reach the standard of the restaurant’s unique atmosphere. The menu for main courses provides a wide selection of both Thai and foreign dishes. The Spaghetti Bolognese over all is good but lacks a bit of taste, the Panang Curry with Chicken has a good balance of flavors but is apparently a bit too westernized – mai phed. It’s the same for Khapao Gai (Chicken on Chili and Basil). Plates are nicely arranged and the food is tasteful, but not excellent. Somehow we feel that the soul of the dishes is missing. A common thought in Khaosan area. Pleasing on the other hand is the fresh and firm House Salad that comes in a huge bowl accompanied by a creamy Thousand Island-dressing. Also the Chicken Tenders, which are served with special spicy Honey Mustard dip and standard fries are convincing. Try the Vegetable Cutlets as a side order. The homemade yogurt dip-sauce matches perfectly with the crunchy Tempura. Tasteful Banana Fritters are our sweet finish. It is served with a sweet honey sauce, which makes it very oily – too oily after all. When it comes to service Mayompuri loses its charm completely. Regrettably, the staff never gives you the feeling of being a welcomed guest. It seems like, they have this “We cook, you pay – don’t expect anything more” attitude. More often than not waiters and waitresses are busy watching the nice interior instead of giving us attention. Maybe that explains why they served us a “Béarnaise Soup” instead of the “Espresso” we’ve ordered. If they can coach their lousy staff, Mayompuri would make a difference in Khaosan area. We expected more than this. Sadly, Mayompuri couldn’t hold their promise. Open daily noon-1am.close

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by Gabrione – posted on Mar 4, 2008

5