Restaurant Ban Thai Marbella

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

Restaurant Ban Thai Marbella March 2014

I must admit, Thai cuisine is one of my favorites, so, when another ’Cool deals’ offer for a Thai restaurant that opened its doors some 10 months ago, and yet was new to me came along, I couldn’t refuse it. Situated just 20 meters from the Paseo down a small turning off Camilo Jose Cela opposite Franks Corner, The restaurant is contemporary, tastefully decorated, and very comfortably furnished, seating about 28 inside and 50 on the outside during the warmer days.

It is owned and run by Fandi who hails from Malaysia, and Londoner James, both are very much ‘Hands On’ Interestingly, their two lady chefs Tung and Noi are both Thai, I say interestingly, because my last review of Bijou in Marbella, also had a lady chef, and what was later to be confirmed was, that they too excelled in the kitchen.

From the Comprehensive and well ordered menu we selected the mixed starter, which consisted of Chicken Satay, Spring Rolls, Grilled Prawn, and Crab Walk (which is
a Wan Ton of crab meat and cheese), all served with their individual sauces (see photo). For our mains we both chose a stir-fry dish, mine based on Prawns and the other one on Chicken, James was at pains to insure that the spiciness of each would be to our individual taste, as indeed it was. A pleasant Unzo white wine complimented the meal.

Suffice it to say that, in presentation, flavouring, and quality, the whole meal more than lived up to our expectations, such that this eatery has to be amongst the best examples of Thai cuisine in the Marbella area. I must say that if only it were the norm in Thai cuisine to have food warmers on the table, a’la Chinese, it would have enhanced the meal still further. So Impressed were we that I have just purchased 4 more coupons!

Stop Press
Our second cool deal visit in as many weeks leads me to update information on this eatery with an additional info.

They now have a Menu del Dia available from opening time until 5 PM

They give a choice of, Chicken Satay, Spring Rolls, Crab Meat Balls, Coconut Soup, or a Thai Vegetable Salad, for starters, and Mains of Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Sweet & Sour Prawns, A Green Chicken Curry, Beef Massaman or Vegetable & Thai Noodles, accompanied by either Jasmin or Egg Fried Rice. To complete the menu, Fried Banana & Ice Cream, or a Selection of Ice Creams and they even throw in Tea or Coffee.

We have yet to try the MdD, but for 13€, I think we soon will.

During our second visit our party had: Spicy Chicken Soup, Spicy Prawn Soup, and Coconut Soup. Then, Beef Massaman, a Duck Curry, Stir fry Prawns, and a Stir fry Prawn dish.
There was so much food, and it was so delicious, that we ended up with doggy bags, a thing we very rarely do.

Info:
Ban Thai (although one hopes they never will) is in Gregorio Maranon.
Parking under the cinema in Camilo Jose Cela. (a pleasant walk west along the Paseo) Reservations on 95277 0221 mobile 667988554
Menu on their web site www.banthai.es email info@banthai.es
They open for lunch and dinner every day (Winter from 2 PM Summer from midday) Average 3 course meal with wine €38 They do ‘Take-away

Bishlin marks out of 5: ambience 4.5 food 4.5 service 4.5 value 4