When I had buttermilk in Bangkok at Bawarchi
Who opts for a glass of Buttermilk in Bangkok when there is Beer on the table? Well, its always fun to do the unlikely and when you don’t drink, it doesn’t matter its beer or rum. When Vaishali asked for a Mango drink and I ordered for a Buttermilk, the two guys (Gaurav and Arpit from TOI and HT ) stared at both of us in amazement. Well Vaishali was still excused because she is picky with food options, the boys did not spare me until they gave me a new name ‘Buttermilk’ for the rest of the trip. Even today when they ping me, it comes as ‘Hi Buttermilk’… Read on to know what fun we had at Bawarchi, Indian restaurant chain in Bangkok on the first day of Songkran.
Bawarchi-Indian Restaurant in Bangkok
After the refreshing canal ride in the morning and a relaxing spa, a hearty luncheon was the most awaited thing that afternoon in Bangkok. After the lunch we were supposed to go to Silom road to get soaked in the Songkran splash. The fun time that we had had in Chiang Mai, Songkran drenching and soaking was still afresh in our minds but for now we were all excited to dig in the authentic Indian flavors at Bawarchi. (Be it any place in the world, an Indian definitely looks around and is smug and happy to find an Indian eatery)
The door that takes you in!
Colorful ambiance
When one travels, one must be open to eating the local food. Coming to the foodie in me, I like to experiment but I am equally choosy. I look around for available options and choose according to my taste and since I am fine with eating chicken, I usually do not face much problem. At the same time I cannot be termed one who can taste everything. So far in Thailand, I had loved the fried chicken wings and minced chicken in Thai spices and sticky rice with mango is a must eat when you are here.
Bawarchi is Bangkok’s most well known and prestigious Indian Restaurant.
A beautiful door welcomed us in. The blue glasses on the table and colorful wall decorations caught my eyes instantly. Different seating arrangements, comfy combinations of sofa and chairs around the tables occupied most of the dining arena. The ambiance was beautiful, no doubt the Indian-connect happened instantly. In no time we were met by the manager ‘Mickey’ who came around to make us more comfortable. While we settled on our table of six, I went around taking pictures of the restaurant. Our local guide chose to sit on the table next to us. She wasn’t interested in sharing our lavish menu but ordered a Chicken-Biryani for herself. She confessed she was fond of Indian food and loved rice cooked with Chicken. (See her pictures)
Next began our Indian indulgence…
When Mickey asked us to order drinks, in no time I uttered buttermilk and this got the boys in splits. Against their beers, they seriously couldn’t digest someone having a buttermilk in Bangkok. Soon we all began laughing. There was a time when we talked and laughed so loudly that everyone began to stare at us. Of course that proved that we were enjoying our meal perfectly. Yes, the Indian flavors were doing the magic. The starters were presentably served to each one of us and I must say each portion was quite filling.
Let me list down the starters. They were –Masala Poppadum, Tandoori Brocolli, Tandoori King Prawn, Paneer Tikka ajwain and Tandoori Lamb chops. Except the prawns I ate all the four items and enjoyed them with my buttermilk for the drink. The Indian flavors oozed out on the taste buds perfectly. We had relished the starters so much that there was hardly much space left for the main course but we gave in to the temptations. Authentic Indian flavors were to be blamed for this.
Notice the Paneer Tikka and its styling
Soon the main course made its way to our table while we were still roaring with laughter. Songkran mood had arrested us all. Feeling high on beer, buttermilk and good taste, we were all having a good time. Having given up all our inhibitions we felt absolutely cozy and comfortable in the Indian ambiance.
What came in delighted us all the more – Butter Chicken, Rogan josh, Saag Paneer, Daal makhani and Hyderabadi biryani with the assorted breads. I am sure every family that goes out to dine to an Indian restaurant definitely goes for a combination among these five. An Indian platter would be called malnutrition-ed if deprived of Paneer, Butter chicken or Daal makhani. Well I tasted all in small helpings but I would honestly accept that I couldn’t relish the mains course items as I was full with the starters. Thankfully, I do not have a sweet tooth and thus I could easily give the sweet dish- ‘Gulab jamun’ -a-miss.
When we posed at Bawarchi – I am the one in the colorful jumpsuit.
Happy Traveling!!
Do let me know your stories of doing something weird or unlikely on a trip!
The visit to the restaurant was part of my FAM trip to Thailand organized by TAT, New Delhi.
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