Siam Garden: Thai with Traditional Roots!

At the recommendation of fellow foodies, I gave Siam Garden Restaurant in Winter Park a try. (I am partial to Sea Thai). A standalone establishment across Winter Park Village on Webster Avenue; one walks into a small stark space with a few Thai influences, wondering is this it? Till the hostess walked me to the back of the restaurant which opened up to a wood-paneled wall, Thai furnishings and low seated arrangements creating an illusion of private seating while enhancing Thai culture.  If you fancy Thai House on Colonial Drive, you are bound to enjoy Siam Garden since; the owners come from the same family.

The service was prompt, courteous, and to my pleasant surprise everyone was fluent in English. For starters we ordered the Soft Shell Crabs and Fish Cakes. Followed by Fillet with Chili Garlic Sauce, Beef in Chili Jam, Chicken Panang Curry, and Pad Thai. The menu is not extensive, sticking to conventional classic Thai dishes.

The soft shell was delicate and lightly fried; the fish cakes on the other hand had a nice aroma but tasted too rubbery and fishy for my liking. The accompanying salad of cucumber and carrots was a refreshing palate cleanser.

The fillet was cooked perfectly, with the right amount of heat and sweetness. The chili jam was a bit disappointing since I could only taste one spice – chili. It lacked in the play of flavors Thai dishes are mostly known for.

The Chicken Panang and Pad Thai, I freely admit were the dining winners.  Exuding fragrant aromas of Kaffir Lime, vegetables were al dente; the entire experience transported me to eating food with the special touch which can only be tasted via grandmother’s cooking.

Over all, Siam Garden like my fellow foodie put very aptly – is ‘authentic’ Thai food in Orlando. I whole heartedly agree with them.  Siam Garden’s food exudes flavors with its roots deeply set in traditional and wholesome Thai cuisine. So, next time you are in a mood for enhancing your multi cultural experience, do stop over at Siam Garden for deliciously flavored meals.

 

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