JARAS Restaurant

Recognised by the Michelin Guide in 2022 & 2023, JARAS Restaurant is a sophisticated contemporary restaurant with a focus on sustainable ingredients which combine authentic flavours and progressive presentation into an exceptional Thai fine dining experience. Nestled amongst the pine trees overlooking Kamala Beach, JARAS Restaurant integrates flavours of the locale with the long-standing European tradition of enjoying a pre-dinner drink and canapes. 

Upon entering JARAS, it’s easy to see that the elegant restaurant is a well-oiled machine. Service is quick and efficient, the interesting interiors are meticulous, and the open kitchen concept allows guests the opportunity to watch the chef and his team craft their culinary creations. I’m excited because even before looking at the menu I know that this is going to be a fun dining experience. 

My dining partner and I decide to select dishes from the extensive à la carte menu. We decide on Moo Hong Thod, the signature appetizer Thod Man Poo, Pla Krapong Tom Som, Gaeng Keaw Waan Gai and the recommended signature curry, Massaman Pae. Given a choice of rice, we decide on berry rice. Despite how busy the restaurant is (reservations are recommended), the food arrives to our table rather quickly. Of course, we take loads of photographs before we dig in. 

The presentation of the food is immaculate and the flavours are sumptuous. The Moo Hong Thod is a JARAS spin on the traditional dish – it’s a crispy spring roll stuffed with braised pork and black pepper. I love it from the first bite! The Thod Man Poo resembles a fancy donut, but inside is deep-fried crab meat, minced chicken and breadcrumbs. This signature is served with house-made chili jam and is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Much to my surprise, the Pla Krapong Tom Sum soup does not have an overbearing fish taste. Instead, the clear soup with snapper, shallot, lemongrass, turmeric and spring onion has a well-balanced taste and is really comforting. 

I sample the Gaeng Keaw Waan Gai next. It’s a house-made green curry with diced chicken thigh, eggplant, basil and coconut caviar. The curry is rich and creamy, and the coconut caviar bursts in the mouth – nice touch, honestly. The Massaman Pae, consisting of southern slow-cooked goat, potato, onion, coconut milk and flavoured Tamarind brew is entirely unique; this dish is a popular signature, and I’ve never tasted anything just bursting with flavour like it. 

Although our meal is satisfying, we do save room for dessert. The house made Coconut Gelato is light and refreshing and pairs well with my latte. The Tabtim Krob is a traditional Thai dessert consisting of water chestnut infused with sala syrup, apple syrup and jack fruit served with coconut ice cream. It’s sweet and delicious, and scooped up in an instant. 

In addition to the à la carte menu, the restaurant also offers the ‘Jaras Experience Tasting Menu’. This nine-course menu must be booked 24 hours in advance and is for guests 18 years old and above only. Signature adult beverages, Thai spirits, a variety of coffee drinks and of course, an extensive grape-based beverage list – either by the glass or bottle – are also available. 

Located in the InterContinental Phuket Resort, JARAS Restaurant is open daily for lunch from 12:00pm - 4:00pm with dinner service being from 5:00pm - 10:00pm. Reservations are paramount for this tantalising meal experience.