There’s an unwritten rule that food tastes better when it’s roasted on an open flame.
It’s why the humble oven will never match a blazing barbecue and it’s why we have fallen head over heels in love with the beef cho cho at Trader Vic’s in the Beach Rotana.
This simple yet memorable dish comes with an element of theatre in the form of the flaming hibachi, used to finish off the meat skewers.
It forms the starting point of a thoroughly enjoyable meal at the tropical-themed eatery.
It gives the main, Thai green curry with chicken, aubergine and coconut broth, a tough act to follow – a benchmark the dish falls slightly short of. It’s a tasty option, for sure, but the sauce is perhaps on the blander side of the curry scale, especially after the fireworks of the starter.
Redemption, however, comes in the form of the third and final act of our three courses.
The coffee panna cotta with candied walnuts is an exemplary dessert, providing a nice mix of textures and flavours that work together rather than against each other.
The casual vibe makes for an easy-going night, during which the service is always perfect.
If there is one small critique it’s that after telling the staff we don’t want to be added to the venue’s mailing list the question keeps cropping up throughout our meal. But, that’s a small gripe on an otherwise pleasurable evening out at this ever-popular hangout.
WHAT IS IT…
A capital mainstay with a tropical vibe and tasty dishes
WHY GO…
For flame-grilled meat without having to dust off the barbecue
