The Verandah- riverfront restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Delightful all-day dining and captivating views- riverside on Bangkok’s famed Chao Phraya River

October 28th, 2013

In a city renowned for its abundance of enticing culinary attractions, Bangkok also offers the added allurement of riverfront dining at establishments located on the banks of the famed Chao Phraya River. Among the longer established and most popular of this genre is the riverfront restaurant at the venerable Mandarin Oriental Bangkok– The Verandah. Taking full advantage of its premier location on the river bank- the original Oriental Hotel was the first luxury hotel in Bangkok when it was founded on the site in 1887- the hotel presents guests and visitors with superb unobstructed views of the bustling, round-the-clock maritime traffic on the broad river. The Verandah restaurant occupies an expansive indoor and outdoor space at the front of the hotel’s main tower- providing both open-air dining on the riverfront terrace, and air-conditioned comfort indoors.

Truly an “all-day” dining restaurant, The Verandah kitchen commences service at 6 am with Breakfast, and transitions through Lunch and Dinner, to end the day with late evening supper and snacks after midnight. Served in an atmosphere of casual yet stylish sophistication, The Verandah is an attractive dining destination for relaxed lunches, and in particular for outdoor evening dining or drinks, when the refreshing breezes from the river provide a comforting contrast from the daytime heat and humidity. The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 am until 12:30 am- advance reservations are recommended- in particular for the riverfront tables.

Verandah Cuisine
The a la carte menu offer an extensive selection compiled from both Western and Thai cuisines, providing an enticing variety of expertly executed dishes- from classic salads, sandwiches and rice and noodle dishes, to more refined dishes. Some of the standout dishes that epitomise the impressive repertoire of the culinary team include- Suratthani crabmeat and green papaya salad- with citrus and fresh tomato sauce served in ripe papaya; Vegetables sandwich on a soft or seven grain bun– with fresh tomato, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce, and black olive tapenade; and Khong Waang Ruam– selection of Oriental tapas with assorted dips. And desserts are a speciality, with the Mandarin Oriental pastry chefs renowned for their delicious creations.

The Verandah- riverfront outdoor terrace

The expansive outdoor terrace at The Verandah- comfortably shaded by trees and awnings- extends across three levels- extending down from the main hotel building to the riverfront.

Casual elegance- timber decks contrast attractively against the black stonework and verdant green plants.

Tables on all sections of The Verandah terrace enjoy wonderful views across the Chao Phraya River.

The Verandah interior

The interior dining area features generously spaced tables, with a comfortably warm palette of natural timber flooring, and shades of beige and brown exuding an atmosphere of understated sophistication.

An elegant series of banquette settings separate upper and lower levels of the interior dining room.

Selections from The Verandah a la carte menu

Healthy salad- Assorted leaves, pomelo, enoki mushrooms diced capsicum extra virgin olive oil and lime dressing. Option to add either rare seared tuna fillet and tomato-basil salsa, or roasted white prawn with Cajun spices.

Phad Thai- Wok-fried rice noodles with blue river prawns and Chinese chives complemented with banana blossom and bean sprouts.

Yaam Som-O –Exotic Thai pomelo salad with chicken threads, shrimps, fried shallots, crisp fried garlic and peanuts.

Duck ‘Parmentier’- Slowly cooked braised duck leg layered with fluffy mashed potatoes, fresh market mushroom, bouquet of salad greens.