Thai Treasures & More

Let yourself be charmed by the wonderful food and drink at Rice Barge & Terrace.

The entrance to the Rice Barge & Terrace is almost lost along the road, and there’s no fanfare about this amazing restaurant. It’s set just across from Nora Buri Resort & Spa, of which it’s an integral part. Both the restaurant and the resort have excellent reputations, and are unique in their own ways. Rice Barge, for example, is one of those rare buildings with an entrance on the top floor. It’s creatively built on a slope that leads down to the beach. As such it commands beautiful views of the sea stretching out to the horizon and, to the south, a small headland. Its facade is purposely designed to look a little like one of the traditional rice barges that used to be found on the Chao Praya in Bangkok.

Furnished in tropical woods and soothing earth tones, Rice Barge is imbued with charm. All the tiny details that make dining such a pleasure are to be found here, from the immaculate presentation of the food to the very attentive and welcoming staff. But what really adds to the experience offered by Rice Barge is a very devoted focus on Thai food. Almost any half-way decent restaurant can make a tasty Thai meal, but to make it exquisite is another matter entirely.

When you tuck into dinner at Rice Barge, your taste buds will immediately perk up; you’re in one of the few places that can really make top-of-the-range Thai food. Whether you come here new to the cuisine or are a seasoned expert, you’ll approve of the food that arrives at your table.

The varied menu at the Rice Barge covers all the culinary regions of Thailand, and you’ll find a selection of not just traditional dishes but also ones that are quite different. Reading through the extensive menu you’ll see appetisers, salads, soups, curries and noodle dishes and desserts. Not sure what to choose? There are also two outstanding set menus which showcase Thailand’s best-loved fare.

Rice Barge is very much about providing whatever’s freshest at the market. The culinary team finds the best quality products, and once that’s done they make everything from scratch. It would of course be easy to cut a few corners here and there, but nothing like that happens at Rice Barge – and that’s part of the reason why the food tastes as yummy as it does. You’ll also find dishes adorned with artistically carved fruit and vegetables ensuring the presentation is always Instagram worthy.

Enjoy your evening with one of a range of superb yet always good value wines – there’s a walk-in wine cellar where bottles are lovingly stored at exactly the right temperature. In addition, every evening you can enjoy gentle music that is played by a professional musician on a kim, a wooden xylophone, one of Thailand’s traditional instruments. The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm every evening

In addition, housed in the same building but on the lower levels, you’ll find a stellar all-day restaurant with almost the same name. At The Barge Restaurant, the focus is entirely on international food. However, you’re welcome to ask for the Thai menu from upstairs if you would like a meal that features the best of both these dining facilities.

The Barge Restaurant offers a full range of international and seafood lunches, dinners and snacks. It’s also home to a rather special theme night. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy the Hawaiian Seafood Buffet, with not just fresh seafood on offer, but also a selection of meat dishes.

There’s entertainment, too, in the form of a fire dance show. It’s a fun way to spend an evening, especially if you're a fan of barbecues. And even better, come for the free canapés and cocktails that are served from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, immediately before the buffet begins.

For a truly romantic evening, reserve ahead and you can dine right next to the beach in a decorated gazebo, and choose from three different menus all lovingly created in order to please. While you savour a spectacular feast, you can look out over the sea and enjoy the hush that comes with evening. It’s a remarkable experience, and not surprisingly many couples go a step further and choose Nora Beach for their wedding and reception party – but that’s another story altogether.

Both restaurants are expertly run by veteran Executive Chef, Khun Kosol Heamrangsree. With 25 years of experience, he cooks gourmet food that ranges between Thai, Mediterranean, international and a medley of fusion dishes, too.

Come for dinner at either of the restaurants and you’ll find very high quality food, drink and service. Certainly Nora Buri Resort & Spa knows how to charm its guests, and whether you’re staying here or just enjoying their restaurants, you’ll be happy at the very reasonable prices at this iconic resort.

Dimitri Waring