In a building as old as many bistros in Paris, under ceiling fans stirring the languid tropical air, guests of the Dibuk Restaurant in old Phuket Town can spend time sipping cold Beer Lao while dining on classic French sauteed chicken liver salad or Thai crab rolls, with the Indian Ocean lapping nearby.
It is more the norm to have an excellent French style bistro in Phuket Town than in Bangkok. After all, Phuket Town is at least 800 years older with a well established multi ethnic history: Hindu, Chinese, Burmese, Dutch, Portuguese, French and English. As an important international trading port long before the Kingdom of Thailand's sovereignty, Phuket's architectural style, cuisine and even their dialect is both unique and a fusion of the world.
Dibuk Street is lined with a number of cafes of which the Dibuk Restaurant is outstanding for both its imaginative French inspired menu and the execution and seasoning of the Thai cuisine as well. Set inside a typical Phuket "shophouse", the decor takes full advantage of the narrow shotgun design and interior open air back courtyard. Comfortable chairs, linen, china, fading photos on naturally uneven stuccoed walls and an array of potted plants provide a a bygone feel in this tropical setting.
Lunch for two consisted of a classic French salad of warm, moist butter sauteed chicken livers on a bed of crisp greens lightly napped with a vinaigrette dressing and accompanied by thin slices of French bread toast.
A generous portion of baked whole squid rubbed with red curry paste and stuffed with minced pork and herbs was a flavorful pairing of surf and turf.
A stew of seafood in a yellow curry broth with sticky rice was both a beautiful color and a subtle blending of chili, ginger and soothing coconut milk.
The artistic lighting highlighting plants and art along with candles makes Dibuk even more romantic for dinner. A good wine list of French, Australian and South American wines are reasonably priced and a glass of the house wine, a decent Chilean that evening, was a nice start while crickets chirped in the garden.
Dibuk puts great pride in presentation and garnishing. The skill in executing carrot and daikon roses was of an exceptional caliber. Appetizers of fried crab sticks and small whole fish were crisp yet still full of the herb flavors of southeast Asian cuisine.
A traditional Caesar Salad with fresh hot croutons, anchovies and real dressing was a first for southeast Asian travels. A ragout of Wild Boar with a red wine reduction and creamy whipped potatoes was a direct taste from southern France and sliced roast duck breast in a white wine sauce, chili, sauteed onions and cashews was excellent indochina fusion.
Priced a bit higher than most Phuket Town restaurants, the Dibuk's quality of service and cuisine makes it well worth the modest extra expense. Lunch or dinner for two with drinks will range from US$25 - $45. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Dibuk Restaurant, Monday – Saturday from 11:30 – 15:00, 18:00 – 23:00, Tel # +66 (0) 76 218 425
Comments