New Thai treats at Le Meridien’s Sukhothai restaurant in Dubai

Sukhothai restaurant in the Le Meridien Hotel in Dubai. Courtesy of Le Meridien

Le Meridien hotel in Dubai is possibly best-known to UAE residents for it’s lively Australian brunch at Yalumba restaurant. It might, therefore, surprise you to learn the hotel actually has 17 other f&b outlets on-site. Here’s our review of the new menu at Thai restaurant Sukhothai.

Venue: Sukhothai, Le Meridien Hotel, Airport Road, Dubai, PO Box 10001

Timings: Lunch 12:30-2:45pm and dinner 7-11:45pm

Ambience: In a word, gorgeous. Warm wood, candles, bamboo plants, silk wall hangings and Thai artefacts — what's not to love? The restaurant isn't huge which gives it a cosy feel and there's a central pagoda for elegant private dining. Now that the weather has cooled, Sukhothai's outside terrace is also perfect for a bite and a bit of people watching.

Theme: Sukhothai is an area in north central Thailand and name derives from the Sanskrit words sukha, meaning pleasure, and udaya, meaning ascent or dawn. In effect, this translates to 'the rise/dawn of pleasure/happiness' and the restaurant's menu strives for the same effect. The cuisine is, unsurprisingly, traditionally Thai with plenty of options for those who are looking for low-carb, low-calorie and low-heat dishes.

Food: Here are some standout dishes from the new menu that we'd recommend

Appetisers: A must for couples, or even a group of four, is Sukhotai's sharing platter, Khong Wang Sukhothai. There's something for everyone from succulent chicken dumplings and chicken satay to delicious lemon grass prawns and fresh crabmeat.

If you have a penchant for fish cakes, you’ll love these deep-fried Thai versions called Tord Man Pla Tord Man Pla. Packed with flavour, the cakes were served with pickled cucumber, coriander and plenty of sweet and sour sauce.

Soups: Groups might be better suited to sharing the huge cauldron of fragrant lobster soup we saw others ladling from, while the best individual option is chef's Tom Yam Goong Nang prawn soup. It's medium in spice and has all the classic Oriental flavours you'd hope for from Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilli and lime to lemon grass and coriander.

Mains: Gaeng Phed Ped Yang is a real treat for Thai food enthusiasts and consists of traditionally roasted duck mixed with pineapple, grapes, peppercorns and cherry tomatoes. The sauce is mild in spice and incredibly moorish with its creamy texture, Thai eggplant base and hint of sweet basil.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for heat but don’t fancy a curry then opt for the restaurant’s signature wok-fried minced beef with basil leaves and chilli. Piping hot and packing a pleasing punch, Phad Gra Praao Gai Rue Nuea was a definite crowd-pleaser.

Deserts: Not to missed is Tab Tim Grob, or water chestnut, palm kernels and jackfruit in a coconut milk. We also loved Sukhothai's baked coconut custard, otherwise known as Sang Kha Yaa Ma Phrao Phao.

Value for money: As far as Dubai dining goes, Sukhothai's prices are very reasonable. Considering you're in a five-star restaurant with friendly, efficient service, dishes ranging from Dh46 to Dh132 are great value. Another steal is the special lunch menu chef Supachai has devised for just Dh149. Choose from a starter, soup, main and desert or eat as much as you can of the 'Thaipas' from 12:30-2:45pm on Friday's and Saturday's.

Heads-up: The hotel currently has a long list of food offers online at http://diningdubai.com/

Here are our top two promotional picks:

Warehouse — A spook-tacular brunch will be staged from 1pm onwards on 31st October. From just Dh219 per person, patrons will be treated to a four-hour feast and the screening of a horror movie.

Yallumba — Saturday evenings are all about seafood at Le Meridien's flagship Ozzy eatery. Pay Dh259 a head and enjoy a diverse selection of seafood including a local catch of the day, oysters, mussels, prawns and much more.

• Le Meridien Hotel is located Airport Road, Dubai, PO Box 10001. For reservations call [phone]