Well Im surprised, I have read a couple of reviews on Thai Ban and boy I must say, ’’you are what people perceive of you’’ definitely holds a lot of truth.
I have been visiting this restaurant over the years now and the place has seen the rise and fall of many a ’’self-proclaimed’’ authentic thai joints, I even hear they are in the process of closing down their very own branch at Andheri, yet THAI BAN in Bandra has been there and done that.
Its quite understandable, reading some of the reviews, but hey people, cut some slack here, this aint no Thai Pavillion and nor does the place boasts of some breath-taking decor that would give China Garden a run for its money, but yes I think one can safely swear by some of the dishes that are here on offer.
Lets face it! this aint some Shiv Sagar either, so if you are looking for veg cuisine, I suggest you stick to the ubiquitous joints sprewn around the city but if it is some authentic fish or green curry, thai-style that your are looking for, look no further. I must add, that the Satay here is simply out of this world, I have visited Thailand too and have found very very few places who actually offer the kind of sauces that Thai Ban does... infact most restaurants would conveniently offer you peanut sauce with your Satay, but out here you get a generous serving of three sauces the chilli honey, the garlic-ginger and a third that is best left a secret, until u finally decide to venture here. A blend of the three and the concoction u make to go with your Satay is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!
Sadly the restaurant does have its highest high’s and lowest lows... If the Satay and their Thai Green Curry is their highest high, most of the vegetarian preparations and their drinks are their lowest lows, but who cares, one needs to overlook these temporary hindrances at times for a far greater benefit... THE FOOD... I must add that the place has recently gone in for a make over, though not much has changed from outside, the inside seems cosy and comfortable except for the occasional break down of the air conditioner. The menu is moderately priced and with inflation hitting everything these days, One can presume a hit of somewhere in the range of Rs.800-1000 for a meal for two, that would include a soup, a starter, the main course and finally dessert.
Speaking of which, their best dessert would definitely be the water chestnuts in coconut milk and I must warn you that the serving is good for two, so order cautiously.
All in all, I would give ther restaurant a 6/10, simply because the food scores a Home run, not too mention the service, where you have the occasional ever smiling steward at your beck and call.
My mind goes back to the power of process. How little some people empathize with it! To them, process is dogma, it is a grind, and it is about restrictions. To this small business that has survived so many years, it is about liberation and continuity. It has made many people from all over the city so happy that they carry it as a wonderful memory that completes their Thai experience. Because Thai Ban follows the recipe, everything else around it can change.