The grand Thai water festival Songkran is looming and we’ve handpicked dining experiences to ring in the occasion
Songkran marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year and is one of the most famous festivals in Thailand. Celebrations take place in April and a tempting selection of traditional dishes are enjoyed during the festivities.
Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Usher in the Thai New Year with an exquisite five-course menu inspired by the delightful flavours of the Thai cuisine.
The evening kicks off with an aromatic spicy duck salad with a lime, red chilli and fish sauce garnish; followed by sai ua, a traditional Thai-spiced sausage served with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and spring onions. The intricate and flavoursome dishes then continue with a spicy sea bass ho mok. For mains, diners can enjoy an authentic Thai curry that features grilled Angus ribeye, coconut gravy, green baby corn and coriander. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with a charthai cheesecake dessert served with coconut pandan ice cream and passion fruit caviar.
April 13 to 15 from 6pm-12am. AED275 per person (five-course set menu). Call +9712 498 8888 or email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com.
Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr
Enjoy a three-course set menu with starters such as Pha Talay (seafood salad with lemongrass and chilli) and Poo Jah (deep-fried minced chicken and crab with water chestnuts). Mains include crispy prawns with garlic and green pepper sauce; spicy jungle chicken curry with eggplant and hot basil; or grilled sea bass in banana leaves, all served with wok-fried vegetables and jasmine rice. The meal is rounded off with a classic Thai dessert of sweet-sticky rice with mango and coconut syrup.
In keeping with Thai New Year rituals, the restaurant will host a traditional water ceremony and diners will have the chance to win a gift box of goodies from Thailand.
April 13 to 17 from 6-11:30pm. AED250 per person (minimum of two people sharing). Call 800 666353 or email restaurants@saroodhospitality.com.
Fuchsia Urban Thai, Bay Square and Barsha Heights
A complimentary dessert is in store for you at this contemporary Thai restaurant. Visit for a dine-in experience and enjoy the festive dessert of Bua Loy.
Bua Loy, when translated to English means floating water lily, the Thai dessert is made with rice flour balls in sweet coconut milk and can be received for free upon the purchase of a main dish.
April 13 to 15 from 2-11pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 12pm-2am (Friday to Saturday) at their venue in Barsha Heights, and from 12-11pm at their venue in Business Bay. Call +9714 361 7117 or +9714 425 3080.
Café Isan
Staying home? The Thai street food and tea bar, known for their sensational Thai cuisine is offering a fun addition to its delivery menu, just for the festival.
The ‘just for laughs’ DIY Songkran kit includes a water pistol and Johnson’s baby powder for a bit of water fun at home. This is because water is an important element of the festival, where celebrations involve splashing water at each other.
Post the games, tuck into mouthwatering dishes such as Tom Yum soup, Som Tum (sliced papaya salad), Pad Thai noodles, Massaman curry and more. Do save place for the yummy mango and sticky rice dessert.