“I’m actually really excited to try the Red Snapper as well,” Says Chef Priyank Singh Chouhan as we sit down to experience the new Thai menu at Shiro. Shiro in UB City is a favorite when it comes to Asian flavours. Now this restaurant is hosting a Thai food festival and the menu is something you have never seen before. “It's all about basics - back to the ingredients”

The menu is divided by flavours rather than courses. It focuses on six key flavours - Kaffir lime, Bird’s eye Chili, Thai Basil, Lemongrass, Coconut and Tamarind. Each flavour has a number of dishes which are created to highlight the ingredient. “Some of the ingredients are a little difficult to get in India, but we always aim for fresh,” Chef tells Explocity. “Namdhari's has one Kaffir LIme tree and we get a special delivery from them.”

Some of the dishes on the menu are Tamarind Tofu in Crispy Cups, Lemongrass Chicken, Satay and Thai Basil Eggplant. The Red Snapper With Spicy Sambal is a must try. Some of our other favourites are Steamed Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster With Thai Chilli Sauce, Prawn on Sugarcane Skewers and the Vegetarian Thai Pot Stickers.

The menu is also paired with Thai elements like the Roaring Dragon, white rum, mango and chilli flakes and our favourite the Som Tum Sling, lychee, lemongrass and oolong tea. Also try the Beast of the East, a sweet and sour with a dash of bitters, tequila, cointreau and tamarind. The flavours give a great glimpse into Thai food.

Thai Food Festival, 18 Feb onwards, Shiro, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore