Taste of Phuket at The Slate

October 11th 2018


by Aude
 
Remember our stay at The Slate not so long ago ? Well, after hearing Gayatri saying how much of a relaxing escape it was, I had been dying to go there myself too. I mean an island getaway in a design resort where you can have it all: the pool (or to be precise the three pools), the beach just across the road, private or collective workout classes (yoga, Thai box, tennis, fitball, full body stretch …), Japanese food, Thai food, continental food, spa break … doesn’t it sound like the most perfect and carefree escape?  And last week 3-days weekend was just the perfect excuse for that. 
 
Oh and you know me, food is my thing. So decided to make this trip a relaxing one yes but also a foodie one. After all, Michelin Guide is launching its first edition in Phuket in 2019 so I just thought I should start learning a bit more about the Phuket dining scene. And I’m the kinda girl who like to learn by experiencing … so off we go, on a yummy trip to The Slate! 
 
The Slate hosts no less than 8 fnb outlets not to mention the in-room options and the fact that they can also arrange a, one-of-a-kind, feet in the sand dinner for you and your partner. I  wish I had try them all but was only spending 48h there (plus I may have had to skip one lunch after going a little crazy at the super good breakfast buffet served daily at Tin Mine  but I mean that wasn’t my fault, I really have this thing with hotels breakfast buffets …) so decided to focus on the two signature restaurants: Black Ginger  and Rivet.

 

Black Ginger is my absolute crush. First of all, the place is quite stunning: a traditional mansion-like restaurant overviewing a luminescent lagoon which you have to cross with a kind of small boat to reach your table. Welcome to the home or Chef Piak who is paying tribute to Phuket’s heritage by bringing traditional and/or ancient local recipes to the forefront. You know what, have a look at the menu just so that you have a better idea of what her signature dishes are but don’t bother trying to make a choice, I would definitely recommend going for the tasting menu! It will give you the yummiest taste of Chef Piak’s signatures including:
 
Bua Tod, a rare southern delicacy made of Tender shrimps and local ‘cha-plu’ leaves tossed in turmeric batter and served golden and crispy 
Tom Yum soup 
Pla Kapong Nueng Manao, a steamed whole white snapper with chilli, garlic and lime 

Hong Kong Madame absolute favGaeng Pou Bai Cha-Plu, a crab meat curry with pungent “cha-plu” leaves and crushed garlic, accompanied by traditional rice noodles and fresh local vegetables. OMG, this thing is literally addictive! I mean, it’s just the perfect balance of soft and spicy … god, I could definitely live on this dish. 

 

Everything was so fresh and yummy. I was pretty full but of course couldn’t end up this perfect dinner without my fav dessert: Mango Sticky Rice.

 
 


Rivet, unlike Black Ginger, isn’t at all playing it the Thai way. Crafted by renowned Chef Toshi San, it offers fresh sashimis and top-grade sizzling Wagyu served in design and sophisticated atmosphere. Loving the focus on sourcing local fresh products and working directly with local fishermen. 
 

Hong Kong Madame loves: the Blowtorch Wagyu sushi– a half roasted Wagyu beef sushi wrapped with avocado and a wasabi sauce. Surprising! First time I’ve ever tried something like this. 
 
But if you ask me, my crush definitely goes to Black Ginger. Actually loved it so much that I booked myself into a cooking class at Moo’s Kitchen, The Slate’s onsite cooking school so that I could lean some special secrets from the restaurant Sous Chef Anongrat Mekla (and yes ok, have another go to some of the dishes too … you got me). Loved the experience and not afraid to say that I am know queen of the Tom Yum!
 
Well, I’ve always been up for an island getaway but if it comes with a yummy experience like this Black Ginger one I’m booking another flight ticket right away! 
 
 

The Slate  
Nai Yang Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand 


 

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