Unfortunately I am not yet retired, and after a rather wearisome day and on Monday afternoon I found myself with the family down in Rawai, showing a friend around. After everything was done, we decided to take a trip back down to Rawai beach, this time taking the kids.
Rawai Beach looking South from Baan Rawai
At the end of Rawai beach there is a pleasant restaurant, that is setback just a little way from the beach and which is called Baan Rawai. The rain has come early this year and the clouds were rolling in once again promising another downpour and so we had to eat inside. I have to say that is less than half as nice as eating outside. So we spent a few minutes on the beach taking in the air before seeking shelter in the covered areas provided for guests when it’s raining.
My wife is rather partial to shellfish and I like oysters served up Thai style, which were promptly ordered. We also had some fried fish with lemon grass, mainly for the children and I fancied some pork cooked Hong Kong style and my perennial favourite Hor Mok Talay or seafood curry to the rest of you.
Oysters Thai Style
The views were once again pleasant looking over towards the islands just offshore and although Rawai is not the best beach in Phuket, when the tide is out the beach looks rather muddy, the sound of the sea provided a pleasant distraction from eating.
And I have to say that many of the dishes served at this restaurant taste better to me and are better presented at some of the other restaurants reviewed here. However, the prices at Baan Rawai are very moderate, and the food is really pretty good. Drinks prices are also very moderate, for instance you can get a large Singha beer for 80 baht or a large Heineken for 90 baht. A fruit shake for the children set us back 45 baht each and cocktails could be had for 120 baht. An example of some other food prices, pork served Hong Kong style (sweet-and-sour) 160 baht, Tom Yam seafood (spicy seafood soup), 110 baht or 160 baht for a large size, Hor Mok Talay, 160 baht, fresh oysters, 25 baht each. These are very attractive prices, and you can also buy wine at a sensible price for Thailand where the prohibitive luxury taxes on wine make even the plonk expensive.
Baan Rawai Restaurant
Whilst there a beach vendor came through the outside area but without disturbing anyone or causing any annoyance. Dressed in typical Hill Tribe attire she made a bright spectacle compared to the rather dingy evening the weather was causing.
The general ambience of the restaurant is fine, after all, it is next to the sea, and on fine days, or evenings the outside dining is very pleasant. If you’re looking for a moderately priced restaurant Baan Rawai is not a bad choice if you’re in the area.
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