We’re getting into the countdown to Christmas, can you hardly believe it?!
If you’re anything like me this means a couple of things. It means that you’re probably making all of your last minute plans. Remembering that yes, you need to buy Christmas gifts for everyone else. Also finding yourself panic booking dinners out.
Need to impress your in-laws? Your significant other? Your parents who are visiting you from out of town?
This is where I’m coming in to save the day! You can thank me later.
I recently visited Belgravia’s favourite Thai restaurant, the Mango Tree to tuck into their 10 course Christmas dinner. Because with 10 courses arriving at your table, it’s good to have an idea of exactly what you’ll be digging straight into.
It’s probably best if you have an extra large table at the ready. And come hungry. Because things are about to get delicious.
Like any good visit to the Mango Tree, we started with a round of cocktails at the bar. Mixing it up a bit, I didn’t quite think I could handle a cocktail in a pineapple or a coconut today, I chose a simple Thai martini (including Ciroc vodka, gabriel boudier lychee liqueur, fresh lemon grass, thai red chili) for me and Joe picked a Whisky Sour. He’s really big on the Whisky Sours lately FYI. Anything that has a chili in it or on it has my attention. I can’t believe I’d never tried this cocktail before. It was outstanding. Just be careful of that chili on the side of the glass.
After whetting our appetite, we moved into the dining room to let the feast begin. The feast comes in two waves. Are you ready?
I always love spring rolls. So these mince chicken with chilli and Thai basil spring rolls were an instant hit.
But a shocking contender for stealing the show? The Puff kai nguang, honey glazed puff filled with roasted turkey. This was melty in your mouth good and something that I’d really like to be served from now on at all Christmas dinners I may attend in the future. And the King prawns. Goong yai yang, grilled king prawns with chilli and lime truffle sauce. Just keep those coming please.
We tried to pace ourselves, failing only a little bit. Other tables look on with what I can only assume was jealously as we continued feasting. All of this for two people? You bet. Onto our main courses.
I always get a little overly excited when restaurants have incredibly colourful dishes, don’t you? The dishes are of course, freshly prepared and we couldn’t wait to devour everything.
At this point, there were definitely several other tables looking over at us. It could have had something to do with all the food on the table. But it also could have had to do with the fact that I kept getting up to take photos every five seconds. We’ll say that it’s OK, they weren’t into the Christmas spirit yet like we were…
Anyways, festive favourites from the meal include:
Mee ka ti Thai, vermicelli rice noodles cooked in coconut milk and stir-fried with red bean curd, chives and bean sprouts.
Goong pad kratiem with kalum dow, stir-fried prawns with garlic, black pepper and brussels sprouts. We actually couldn’t stop eating this and I think we unashamedly polished off the plate.
Kai ngaung ob Thai berry sauce. Roasted turkey marinated in a perfect blend of authentic Thai herbs topped with homemade mixed berry sauce. Yep, even the roasted turkey makes it onto the list. As someone who famously has never been too ‘wowed’ by turkey, I think they do such a great job at the Mango Tree with each dish. Though, I think it would be a tough call whether I prefer this version or the turkey puff pastry that we started with.
And a sneaky addition, the Neur Toon Samunprai. Slow cooked short ribs in Thai five spices, topped with clementine and homemade sauce (Though be aware this is an additional £28 per portion when ordering).
Last but not least, when presented with dessert, you need to go for it.
The berry brownie is shockingly light despite the brownies having a serious rich indulgent taste and texture to them. It’s a conundrum, I know. So in the end, you do need to make some sort of Christmas miracle room in your stomch for the mixed berries, panna cotta with chocolate brownies and custard.
We had such a brilliant evening, yet again, thanks to the Mango Tree. Honestly, every time I’m there, the service is excellent – and the dishes always fantastic. So if you’re feeling like you’re in a pinch for as to where to take all of those out of towners (or even your family in the city), the Mango Tree is 100% worth the visit. And think of me when you’re eating the stir-fried prawns and brussels sprouts please. I could eat them daily.
The Mango Tree’s 10 course Christmas menu is now available from £44.50 per person for both lunch and dinner through 24th December. It’s worth noting as well that they actually have an entire 10 course vegetarian Christmas menu available too. And the dishes sound equally scrumptious.
Kelly xox
PS. The Mango Tree kindly invited us along to review their Christmas menu, but all embarrassing photo taking in the restaurant and opinions on the meal are my very own.