Rooftop fine dining where tradition meets innovation
By Srinivas Iyer – Phuket
As a dedicated vegetarian, I was eager to explore exclusive Indian delicacies with a modern twist while in Phuket. Well aware of Tambu, celebrated for its wine-paired meals curated by Michelin-featured Chef Saurabh Sachdeva, I made my second visit to this acclaimed restaurant. Tambu is the only Indian restaurant in Phuket currently featured in the Michelin Guide, a distinction that speaks to its culinary excellence.
Perched atop a dramatic rooftop “tented palace” with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea and surrounding mountain forests, Tambu has quickly become a standout in Thailand’s vibrant dining scene. Led by Chef Sachdeva, known for his progressive Indian charcoal cuisine, the restaurant lives up to the high expectations set by its Michelin Guide recognition.
I booked the vegetarian wine-paired dinner, and from the moment I arrived, the ambience impressed. I was warmly escorted to my table by the hostess, her smile making me feel the essence of Atithi Devo Bhav. Soft lighting, elegant table settings, and the gentle hum of conversation created a refined warmth, complemented by the faint aroma of spices from the open kitchen. The evening promised not just a meal, but a multi-sensory narrative of taste, aroma, and sight.
The vegetarian tasting menu unfolded through a carefully curated sequence of dishes, each demonstrating the kitchen’s mastery over plant-based ingredients. Every course was paired with a thoughtfully selected wine, turning the dinner into a dialogue between food and drink rather than a series of isolated flavours. Crisp whites refreshed the palate, while lighter reds and nuanced blends highlighted the earthy richness of the charcoal-infused preparations.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kolkata Beetroot Chop, the OG Samosa, Ragda Chaat, and Jhal Muri, each dish delivering bold flavours while maintaining delicate balance. The dessert, a light and airy Mango Malaiyo, provided a graceful finish. Standout creations included a tender wild mushroom seekh and galouti, which married smoky spices with soft textures, and an inventive butternut and asparagus dish, harmonizing natural sweetness with subtle savoury notes. Chef Sachdeva personally shared insights behind some dishes, adding an intimate storytelling dimension, while the sommelier’s expertise ensured that every wine pairing enhanced, never overpowered, the layers of flavour.
Presentation was equally impressive — each dish was a visual delight, with vibrant colours and elegant garnishes that invited admiration before the first bite. The rooftop setting, the panoramic Andaman views, and the polished yet unobtrusive service created a rhythm that allowed the meal to unfold like a carefully choreographed performance.
Tambu’s vegetarian wine-paired dinner showcases how fine dining can exceed every expectation. Combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with inventive reinterpretations of Indian culinary traditions and expertly matched wines, the experience is truly exceptional. For all lovers of great food and wine, vegetarian or otherwise, Tambu offers a memorable culinary journey that lingers long after the meal.
Verdict: A must-visit for food enthusiasts, offering exquisite flavours and perfectly paired wines in an unforgettable setting.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
