Tambu, nestled within the Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery, offers an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant is located in an exquisite rooftop tent overlooking mountain forests and the Andaman Sea. Serving progressive charcoal cuisine with smoky, earthy flavors cooked over glowing embers, the novel destination dining concept draws inspiration from the lavish ‘Tented Palaces’ in the era of Mughal Emperors’ in India.
A tented restaurant with Andaman View
Upon entering Tambu, you’re instantly transported to an opulent world that harks back to the grandeur of the Mughal Emperors’ era in India. The restaurant’s decor is a true masterpiece, featuring an exquisite rooftop tent that overlooks the lush mountain forests and the sparkling Andaman Sea. The lavish ‘Tented Palaces’ of historical India inspire this unique dining concept. Inside, the elegant furnishings, including ornate chandeliers and plush seating, create an atmosphere of regal indulgence. It’s a setting that perfectly complements the progressive charcoal cuisine and the culinary journey we’re about to embark on.
Chef Saurabh Sachdeva - The Iron Chef
Chef Saurabh is a highly skilled and experienced culinary artist with a strong background in Indian cuisine. He has worked with renowned chefs and is known for creating innovative dishes that combine traditional and contemporary elements. Chef Saurabh’s achievements include winning the Iron Chef Thailand award and honing his craft while working with a Michelin-starred chef.
Currently, he is leading Tambu, a unique Indian restaurant in Phuket located at Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery. Tambu offers an immersive dining experience with a novel destination concept inspired by the lavish ‘Tented Palaces’ in India’s Mughal era. Chef Saurabh’s menu features progressive charcoal cuisine with smoky, earthy flavors cooked over glowing embers. He focuses on using only the freshest ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations to make his dishes sophisticated yet accessible. Overall, Chef Saurabh’s passion for Indian cuisine and commitment to innovation make him a talented and well-respected chef in the culinary world.
The Tambu Experience
Upon entering Tambu, the warm embrace of hospitality envelops you. The hostess offers us a refreshing drink to awaken our senses and prepare our palate. Then, we were introduced to Chef Saurabh, who presented us with a tantalizing first bite before we proceeded to our table.
For the ultimate experience, I recommend arriving around 6:00 PM to savor the sunset with a cocktail, followed by an exclusive fire show performed by skilled dancers. It’s a spectacular show that sets the stage for a memorable night under the starry Phuket sky.
To start, I enjoyed a “Mumbai Margarita” cocktail and then I opted to accompany my mains with Gato Negro Moscato, Chile (THB 430/glass or THB 1,799 the bottle), a sweet wine that paired exquisitely with the vibrant Indian spices.
The appetizers were a feast for the senses:
Ram Laddoo (THB 345): Experience the sublime pleasure of Amul cheese-stuffed yellow lentil spheres, complemented by tangy tamarind and a hint of radish pickle. This amuse-bouche, a favorite street food snack widely savored in Delhi, simply melts in my mouth.
Shiso Leaf Chaat (THB 325): A feast for the eyes, this Japanese leaf dish awakens our taste buds with its sweet yogurt espuma, tamarind gel, pomegranate, and cilantro chutney. The magic unfolds at our table, where fresh yogurt is instantly frozen before our eyes, offering a delightful icy texture that effortlessly dissolves in our mouth. This unique take on chaat, a savory snack bursting with tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, delivers an explosion of taste with every bite.
Ghee Roast Mutton (THB 475): A surprising delight, especially for me who is not typically fond of lamb. This dish features succulent baby goat legs, pickled shallots, smoked chili, and a luscious peanut butter filling, all encased in a kulch bun that’s as soft and airy as a cloud.
Malai Chicken Tikka (THB 525): Revel in the tenderness of boneless chicken breast marinated in a blend of Philadelphia and Amul cheese, enhanced by the fragrant garnish of cilantro shoots. Served with an array of sauces, this dish delights with its smoky undertones.
Butter Garlic Andaman Prawns (THB 795): Prepare your taste buds for a fusion of flavors as prawns marinated in brown garlic and tandoori spices meet makkai avocado toast, accompanied by smoked pepper chutney and raw papaya murraba. This dish gracefully melds Mexican and Indian influences, reminiscent of the culinary pleasures found at one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok, Mr. Singh and Mrs. Maria.
During our first course, my dining companion Kelly and I couldn’t help but giggle at our good fortune. We wondered why this place was such a well-kept secret. Tambu offered not only some of the finest culinary creations in Phuket but also an all-encompassing experience, including top-notch service. We even debated whether the staff’s attentiveness was a bit too much, given their unwavering dedication to our every need.
The main courses at Tambu embraced traditional Indian flavors reminiscent of family dinners in India, akin to the experience at Potong, where Chef Pam delighted us with a roasted duck—a familiar and comforting dish as the epitome of her culinary journey. I could not help to draw a parallel between the both restaurants.
Our main course extravaganza included:
Dal Tambu (THB 475): Slow-cooked overnight urad dal enriched with fresh cream and Amul butter. Creamy, but slightly saltier than my preference.
Delhi Butter Chicken (THB 525): Chef Saurabh’s secret recipe featured smoky flavors and bold spices, with tender chicken meat.
Charcoal Chicken Dum Biryani served with Bhurani Raita (THB 625): Also available with vegetables only.
Moilee Curry (THB 625): Chargrilled prawns in a coconut stew infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and roasted chilies. This dish was a showstopper!
To accompany our curries, we savored a variety of amazing Indian bread:
- Amritsari Kulcha (THB 225)
- Handkerchief Bread (THB 150)
- Black Garlic Naan (THB 175)
- Missi Roti with Homemade Butter (THB 175)
Our remarkable dinner at Tambu concluded with two delectable desserts:
“Nam Dok Mai” Rabri Cheesecake (THB 300): Fresh mango chunks, cardamom-scented Rabri white chocolate, and Ghevar Crisp.
The OG Kulfi (THB 300): Classic malai pista kulfi with nan-khatai crumble and roohafza gel.
Why I will come back
Tambu is undeniably one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets, and I’m grateful to have uncovered it. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire Tambu team for the invitation and the privilege of dining beneath their tent. This has undoubtedly been the most sensational dining experience of 2023.
How to get there and book?
Tambu Phuket Progressive Indian Charcoal Cuisine
Located on the rooftop of Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery
Tri Trang Beach, 39/9 Muen-Ngern Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150
Google Maps: here
Open Hours: Only for dinner from 6.00 PM to 11.00 PM
Contact: HA245-FB@accor.com or +66 076 681 681
For Bookings: here
Menu: here
Facebook: here
