Dusit, known as the fourth heavenly realm of Buddhist cosmology or a Thai Buddhist paradise; or even an area in Bangkok. Which ever you choose Dusit here is Edinburgh is a haven from the city hustle and bustle and definitely is a wee slice of paradise. A true gem located on the cobbled street, Thistle Street.

The atmosphere is calm and welcoming. The staff are incredibly hospitable and friendly, warm smiles all round.

Dusit specialise in Contemporary Thai food which is a delightful fusion of traditional flavours and innovative culinary techniques. Drawing from a rich tapestry of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients, their contemporary menu embodies a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours.

Their dishes are vibrant with captivating aromas, showcasing a diverse range of textures and bold combinations and the presentation is visually stunning.

REVIEW OF DUSIT THAI, EDINBURGH

The menu starts off with Thai Salads and Appetisers then onto Curries, Wok fried dishes, Chef Recommendations and the Dusit Banquet Menu (very helpful when you have no idea what to choose or you want to eat everything on the menu!)

There was six of us out for dinner. Here are a list of some of the dishes that we ordered.

Kanom Jeep – Secret Love. This is most well known as Chinese dumpling. Wonton parcels filled with ground pork and prawns £7.95

Song Pi Nong – Two Brothers. King Prawns two styles – first, Japanese style crispy tempura prawns and second, prawns seasoned with coriander and individually wrapped in filo parcels £8.50

Popia Ped. Marinated duck spring rolls served with hoisin sauce £8.50

My order was the Satay Gai – Made Up Hen. Chicken breast marinated with Asian spices, skewered on bamboo sticks and cooked slowly over the charcoals. Served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish £7.95.

I enjoyed this dish was it was underwhelming. I had hoped for more chargrilled flavour from the chicken as its cooked over charcoals and the satay sauce really lacked peanut flavour. However, the chicken was succulent and soft and there was a good amount of satay sauce provided.

Again a variety of predominantly curries where ordered and we all had a wee taste from everyones dishes. All dishes are served sharing style.

Gaeng Keow Wan – the famous Thai green curry. Chicken, Beef, Duck or Prawns available from £14.50.

Dusit Curry. Succulent marinated 8oz sirloin steak, chargrilled and served in a magical red curry sauce £18.50

Gaeng Massaman. This is a rich, relatively mild Thai–Muslim curry with nuts. Lamb Shank or Chicken £14.50

I went for the Massaman Curry. Whilst it was a good curry, it really lacked a nice spicy hit for me. I am not of fan of full on spice heat but I expected this to have layers of subtle heat slowly building in your mouth. I felt it was quite one dimensional and overall lacked the dynamic bold flavours of Thai cuisine.

Coconut rice, plain rice and rotis were all shared across the table.

Most dishes on the menu come with a wee chilli rating. I went for one chilli, so perhaps my next visit needs to be a two chilli order, for me to get that Thai flavour hit I want. Overall, Dusit is a great Thai restaurant. Everyone on my table thoroughly enjoyed their meals as did I. The dishes are well executed and presented and you can see the passion and expertise in each dish.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT DUSIT

• They cater for vegetarians

• They are not wheelchair accessible with w/c downstairs and not sure that the door and walkways are wide enough to cater for wheelchairs

• They have a PDR (Private Dining Room) downstairs

• Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Check website for varying opening times

Dusit Thai, 49A Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY www.dusit.co.uk

My Spoon Award : Silver 8/10

I booked and paid for my dining experience at Dusit. Food and drink were bought for by me and not complimentary in exchange for a review. Views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events),  is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.

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