This week, the Dining Out team ventured north to Bangkok, and to the Al Tara
Halal and Vegetarian restaurant in the Chaophya Park Hotel on Rachadapisek Road,
Dindaeng, where we were the guest of the GM Andrew Wood, one of Pattaya’s
favorite sons, who still spends his weekends off down in Pattaya when he can.
We were interested to see this new venture, and what cuisine
was being offered. Andrew pointed out that there are 1.9 billion Muslims in the
world, and many are starting to become tourists to Thailand.
We also discussed the fact that there are many misconceptions
surrounding the non-Muslim ideas on Halal food. Firstly ‘Halal’ does not refer
to the slaughtering of an animal for consumption; that is called ‘dhabiha’.
‘Halal’ simply means ‘lawful’ according to Muslim teachings.
In the consumption of food, there are some substances
considered as harmful (‘Haraam’) for humans to consume and, therefore, forbidden
as per various Quranic verses. These include pork meat, animal blood and
intoxicants.
The abundance of pork and non-dhabiha meats at restaurants
presents a rather-difficult problem to overcome. While a Muslim will not order a
non-‘dhabiha halal’ dish, there is a concern about cross-contamination. This
could occur when the ‘dhabiha halal’ dish is prepared with the same cooking
tools and in the same kitchen as other non-‘dhabiha halal’ dishes. Food
particles and juices from the two dishes are likely to be exchanged, technically
rendering the ‘dhabiha halal’ dish as ‘haraam’.
To get over that problem, Al Tara is a dedicated,
stand-alone, Halal kitchen, with Muslim kitchen staff who know how to prepare
Halal dishes. To that end, the Al Tara has also been judged by the Central
Islamic Committee of Thailand and has the Halal approved certificate, as well as
certified as being Halal Tourism friendly.
The restaurant has tried to present an Arabic ambience, with
a ‘chrysanthemum’ motif on the ceiling and table legs. There is an open kitchen
where you can directly oversee your own meals if you wish. Natural wood flooring
and comfortable chairs complete the package.
The very happy service staff are in uniform, dressed in green
and blue aprons as well. Unobtrusive and obviously well trained is the best
description.
The pan-Asian food choice is readily seen in the menu, with
items from India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, and even European dishes on
offer. There are many meat dishes (as you would see in any restaurant), the only
differences being in the slaughtering and no pork. Quite honestly, the only
difference, and does not affect the taste and flavor, in my opinion.
The Thai dishes includes Som Tam Classic (B. 130), Yam Goong
Sod (spicy shrimp salad) and Khao Pad Ruam Mit (fried rice with chicken, beef
and shrimps - B. 130). The classic Nasi Goreng is on board, the Indonesian fried
rice with beef or chicken satay and prawn cracker sweet chilli dip (B. 150) and
a North Sumatran Acar Ikan Teneggiri (mackerel steak with vinegar sauce - B.
160). You can tour Asia very easily.
We chose a wide range of dishes and shared, with the service
staff running between kitchen and our table. Your hot food does arrive cooked
and hot from the kitchen.
The
Al Tara Halal and Vegetarian restaurant gave us a new insight into Halal food,
and we enjoyed the experience. With two Indians in our group, naturally the
majority of dishes tended to be from the Indian sub-continent, and many were
vegetarian. However, I enjoyed the classic spicy Chicken Tikka Masala and do
select a Chicken Mataba appetizer parcel, being curried chicken envelopes served
with a cucumber and onion condiment. Superb! The Prawns Pakora as an appetizer
were also excellent - a ‘tempura’ style dish, with plump tender prawns.
I suggest you look upon a visit to Al Tara as an educational
tour, both from the cuisine of the different countries, but also to experience
Halal prepared food, in some wonderful surroundings. We enjoyed it, I am sure
you will too.
Al Tara Halal and Vegetarian restaurant, Chaophya Park Hotel,
247 Rachadapisek Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok, telephone 02 290 0125, website
www.chaophyapark.com. Secure parking in the hotel grounds. Open seven days,
lunch 11.30 a.m. till 2 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. till 10.30 p.m.
