Dinner Review – December 12th
Located in the lively Boat Avenue area, Aja Bistro & Bar masterfully combines modern sophistication with the laid-back charm of island life. Under the direction of Chef Jamie Wakeford, the restaurant presents a seasonal menu that blends global flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
From the moment you step inside, Aja feels like a sanctuary for food lovers—a place where creativity meets comfort, and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re a visitor seeking a refined dining experience or a local craving something extraordinary, Aja promises a memorable culinary journey.
THE DECOR
Aja’s interior feels like a bistro plucked straight out of a cosmopolitan city like Paris or London, subtly infused with Phuket’s vibrant energy. The dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere, and the spacious layout ensures every table feels private.
Unique details—like cloud-inspired pendant lights hovering over the bar and striking portraits of fierce Asian women adorning the walls—set a tone of understated elegance. Dining at the bar offers a front-row seat to the culinary action. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail or enjoy a meal while watching the mixologists crafting their drinks and the va-et-vient between the kitchen and the dining room.
THE CHEF
Chef Jamie Wakeford, originally from Scotland, brings a wealth of experience and culinary artistry to Aja Bistro & Bar. Trained in the UK and France, he mastered both the classic and modern techniques of French cuisine. With a résumé that spans Europe, the Middle East, China, and Thailand, Jamie’s expertise shines through in every dish.
In Thailand since 2013, he co-founded Bampot Kitchen & Bar, earning a Michelin Plate in the 2019 guide—a nod to his ingenuity and precision. Post-pandemic, Jamie pivoted to culinary consulting before returning to Phuket in 2024 with Aja, where his passion for innovation and flavor continues to captivate diners.
THE FOOD
Chef Jamie’s menu is an exploration of timeless dishes, reinvented with creativity and modern techniques.
I began with some small bites. The Parfait on Toast (THB 225) featured silky chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche, accompanied by green apple, orange marmalade, cashew nuts, and crispy chicken skin. The marmalade’s bright sweetness balanced the parfait’s richness beautifully, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Next, the Prawn Toasts (THB 250) offered a delightful twist of the classic Shrimp Cocktail—crispy sesame-coated prawn farce resembling a fried dumpling, served with avocado-lime dipping sauce and pickled fennel. The layers of creaminess, tanginess, and crunch made this dish an addictive start.
For starters, the Beef Tartare (THB 350) stood out as a bold classic. Finely chopped angus fillet was seasoned with chili and black garlic, finished with a yolk and croutes for texture. Its sharp acidity delivered a deliberate intensity, perfect for those who appreciate tartare with a punchy edge.
But the true revelation was the Pumpkin Soup (THB 250) , a dish I hadn’t planned to order but am eternally grateful I did. Creamy Japanese pumpkin lent a silky, chestnut-like texture, complemented by ricotta-filled tortellini for a chewy, satisfying bite. A drizzle of chili crunch oil—infused with fried shallots, garlic, ginger, and chili—added a gentle, lingering heat. Complex yet comforting, it’s the best pumpkin soup I’ve ever tasted. Chef Jamie, thank you for insisting—I’ll be returning just for this.
For the main course, I opted for the Trevally Fish (THB 600). The crispy-skinned fish boasted a firm, meaty texture with a clean ocean flavor, paired with a bright spinach salad and a decadent caviar beurre blanc. The herbal crunch of the spinach balanced the buttery richness of the sauce, creating a dish that felt indulgent yet refreshing. A standout choice for seafood lovers seeking something robust and flavorful.
Dessert was a triumph in tropical simplicity. The Phuket Mess (THB 250) brought together roasted pineapple, mango sorbet, lime, coconut jelly, and meringue in a light, refreshing finale. Every element captured the essence of Phuket’s flavors, making it the perfect way to end the meal.
THE DRINKS
Aja’s drink offerings are as meticulously curated as the food. I started with a glass of Domaine Piñon Vouvray NV, a sparkling wine from the Loire Valley with bright minerality that paired beautifully with the appetizers. To round off the meal, I indulged in a cocktail crafted with fresh orange reduction and gin—a refreshing blend of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness that mirrored the restaurant’s refined yet approachable ethos.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO AND RETURN
Aja Bistro & Bar isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave. Chef Jamie’s inventive approach to bistro cuisine, paired with Aja’s cosmopolitan-meets-island ambiance, makes it a standout dining destination in Phuket.
Special events like Steak Night on Thursdays (THB 850 for a ribeye or fillet, with wine for an additional THB 1,000) add even more appeal. And for those who love a good cocktail, Aja’s THB 200 specials after 9 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are reason enough to linger.
Whether you’re beginning your evening or seeking a memorable dining experience, Aja is a place you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Kudos to Chef Jamie and his team for elevating modern bistro dining in Phuket with style and heart. I will definitely return for the decadent pumpkin soup and more.
HOW TO GET THERE AND BOOK
Aja Bistro & Bar
Cherngtalay, Boat Avenue, 49 3 Cherngtalay Bandon Road, Phuket, 83110
click here for the direction!
Everyday from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Dinner : 5:00 PM to 11:00PM
Free Parking in street in front of the restaurant
For bookings 062 359 9660 or https://ajabistro.com/
Price: THB 1,500-2,000 per person
