La Table de Tee, Bangkok

Frequent visitors to Thailand often sing praises of its vibrant streets and its status as a veritable paradise for food-lovers.

Past the bustling hawker stalls in the main roads, there are countless hidden gems just out of sight, perfect for the adventurous traveler to uncover. Just minutes away from the BTS and MRT stops on Silom Road; Bangkok, down a back-alley path on Soi Sala Daeng, you will find La Table de Tee.

A French restaurant whose culinary works of art marries the best of French cuisine to favourite local flavours and is sure to delight even the most discerning of palates. The best part? It’s unlikely to burn a hole in your pocket.

The setting is simple, yet tasteful with red wood furnishings aside sky blue walls. Photographs showcasing the heart and soul of the city provide a homely touch to the atmosphere. Visitors making their way up the stairs are offered a peek into the world of the team and their craft. The restaurant is named after Tee Kachonklin, the brain child of the establishment.

After training in London for six years, the young Thai Chef found similarities in the many rich flavours of the west, and returned to set up his own restaurant which pays homage to both classic Thai and French cooking techniques using locally sourced ingredients. The set menu changes on a weekly basis.

The typical tasting set is a five-course meal and a steal at only 1,150 baht (not inclusive of service charge) per person. Though portion sizes are adequate for the average diner, it is easy to lose oneself in the burst of sensational flavor and freshness. The first course usually starts with a soup and we were lucky enough to try the Tiger Prawn and Cumin Soup, packed with huge succulent prawns accompanied by a serving of Pasta a Riso, teased with crunchy bacon bites in a creamy cauliflower soup. The next course was a perfect combination of thick balsamic dressing drizzled over slices of pink duck, accompanied by firm asparagus tips and sweet char-grilled red peppers.

For the third course, we were presented with a choice of either Mushroom Risotto or a Pink Bream with Garlic. I chose the fish. Served in bite-sized cuts, the bream was seared to perfection. With a warming hint of spice, the fish is covered in a rich, smoky tomato reduction and paired with thick cubes of courgetti and aubergine. Finally, the main course which was nothing short of spectacular. Black Angus and Ginger; the fillet is served medium-rare with potato and foie gras purée, mushrooms and needle beans. Simple, yet such a splendor in rich flavors and tenderness. For diners who love wine with their red meat, you will be happy to know that they offer a decent wine menu.

With glasses starting at only 240 baht, choose between Thai, French or New World selections. The cocktail menu is short but they make up for it with very decent and strong mixes. And lastly for non-alcoholic fans, their Shirley Temple is a lovely choice.

Every food adventure is almost obligated to end with a sweet note. And it is truly what I look forward to the most at the end of a meal. We were asked to choose again at dessert and I picked a mixed berry parfait. An assortment of colours greeted me as layers of lime ice-cream, shortbread and berry mousse, spilling with sweet frozen grapes and strawberries topped with a crisp chocolate tuille. As I ended the night with an order of their delicious aromatic coffee, a befitting close to a fantastic meal and service, the friendly staff surprises again with fresh fruit jelly and a macaroon. Extremely stuffed and not a crumb left later, I found myself already looking forward to my next visit.

Do take note that La Table de Tee is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 18:30 to 22:30pm.
Reservations are a must, with a maximum capacity of only 20 diners and Saturday night slots often filling a week in advance. So be sure to book ahead of your visit.