Up until this point, we believed that the quickest way to get to Thailand was an easy flight ticket and a hassle-free visa experience away. But Delhi-based chef, Rekha Arora convinced us otherwise. Chef Rekha Arora was responsible and has been for three "spicy" years with her home kitchen, Spicy Rika to bring the true Thai experience to life in your homes and hearts. K3 at the JW Marriot New Delhi in Aerocity became Chef Rekha's new canvas for theatrics of tantalising taste buds and feisty flavours ranging from sweet and savoury to mark this milestone. The scorching summer may not seem inviting but Chef Rekha's menu of traditional and reimagined Thai flavours is a party on the palette everyone is invited for. This culinary journey was already on a promising start with her famous spring rolls, a serving of nachos with a Thai topping of veggies and crushed peanuts and a spicy mango margherita.
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The spring rolls live up to the hype. It is impossible to stop at just one of the crunchiest, feathery light stuffed cylinders of delicious goodness. The peanut sauce served with it deserves a separate, unwavering spotlight on it. Unlike most peanut sauces, it is tart, light and melts in the mouth. The nachos are the perfect accompaniment to the drinks whether you like them sweet, fruity or just with the perfect zing.
The Thai-style Nachos and Spring Rolls
Next up was a big bowl of a warm, cosy hug, also known as the good old Tom Yum soup. We don't know about Tom but we certainly know why it's called Yum. The fresh and light soup is a well-balanced bowl of goodness that Chef Rekha Arora has aced from the first slurp.
Tom Yup Soup served with Basil Fried Rice on the side
As summer ascends, something light and fresh on the palette is what everyone searches for. But our search ended when we were served the steamed cod fish floating atop a clear, fragrant, light broth. Don't be deceived by the lightness of this dish though. Although fresh and zingy, the dance of sweet, spice, zest and herb is beautifully choreographed on the palette. If anything we know for sure, that you will want to dive deeper into the dish for one bite and then another.
Steamed Cod with a fresh Thai broth
After having relished every dish clean off the plate, it was time for curry and company just when you least expected it. Chef Rekha Arora was kind enough to display an array of Thai classics on the table for us to choose from. It was refreshing to see the Yellow Lamb Curry be the star of the show against its popular cousins, the fiery Red and Green curries. The Yellow Curry is a warm, toasty curry with robust flavours from the ground spices, the subtly rich coconut gravy and chunks of potatoes that got its well-deserved dues especially when eaten with a hot serving of plain steamed rice.
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Thai Yellow Curry and the Kale and Shiitake Mushroom stir-fry
Do you ever really go Thai if you didn't go Pad Thai? The sweet and sour flat rice noodles tossed with veggies like bean sprouts and toasted peanuts didn't go to the belly; it went to the heart. Another popular dish on Chef Rekha Arora's menu, the Stir-Fried Kale and Shitake Mushrooms was also sent to us on the table. You know why it is popular from the first bite. The meatiness of the mushrooms and the crunch of the kale are lathered up with a fresh garlic-y sauce that could probably convince anyone to take their greens seriously.
The classic Pad Thai noodles
It was time to go but it wasn't going to be without a sweet ending. The very refreshing Tub Tim Krob, a light pudding dessert with bright pink chunks of water chestnuts swimming in it is almost reminiscent of the crowded streets of Bangkok with their bright pink taxis. You can't have enough of it. But you also can't have enough of the unique Tao Suan, a pudding so light, you wouldn't even know it is made using mung beans. It can't be a Thai dining experience without a coconut ending and served in authentic street style, it was a local sundae with a scoop of coconut ice cream on a bed of sticky rice and topped with a salted peanut sauce that made its way to us. And that my friend, is how you can travel all over the streets and beaches of Thailand as quickly as it is right at your dining table.
Spicy Rika's authentic Thai dishes can be yours too by placing your orders here.
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