ISDA, Thai

Authentic menu, Excellent ambience, Right location, Courteous staff, Ample parking, - That's the experience dining at the new upscale restaurant ISDA Thai. Named after the "Angel of Nourishment" this place is offers the perfect dining experience with no flaws whatsoever.This restaurant offers a variety of seating arrangements, including semi-private and private dining rooms, created through the use of high pivoting etched glass doors.

This restaurant is known for its authentic Thai cuisine which is normally not found in other Thai restaurants (this was also reconfirmed by someone who had just visited Thailand). As you enter the place ,you would see brightly-dressed Thai women in their traditional attire playing Khin, a Thai instrument, and showcasing their skills on vegetable carvings.The ambience is also done up really well. The ceiling is done up with small light bulbs and especially dining in the evenings would feel like dining under a starry sky. And if you happen to get the corner tables you can enjoy the spectacular view of the KBR Park .You could also opt for a different kind of experience and dine at the lounge and the open air restaurant which is on the next floor.With statues, a Ganesha image, flooring which gives a wooden feel the open area surrounded with plants that is soaked in ethnicity.There is also a distinct way to differentiate between veg and non-vegetarian eaters (Green and white glasses are served for the veggies and non-veggies respectively) - something which we always discuss bout and not seen in any of the restaurants.

Starting with the beverages a must try is ‘Sorbet Takhrai’ (ice crush with lemon grass syrup), probably they could have added a lil less ice.Most of the dishes here have an option of soy protein/tofu/mock (a kind of meaty looking chunk made of soya),chicken/chicken/fish/prawn. We opted for the Tom Yum soup hot and sour - You have the option of having the regular (good enough for 3) or can't remember the other option though. The same is served on the burner so that it remains hot and is served with a soup handle that is kept on the table.One can also relish a range of starters - we opted for Satay which was an array of exotic vegetables served on a stick with peanut sauce and salad.Also we were told that the green and red curry would go well with steamed rice, and since we opted for Thai Fried rice we should opt for stir fries which has a lil gravy.And the suggestion worked.And as always the best is saved for the last. The desserts include roasted pumpkin in coconut milk, or ‘Tub Tim Krop’ (fruity milky crunchy — ‘imitation’ pomegranates in evaporated milk and ice crush topped with syrup.) among the many more.We had coconut jelly which was really good and different.The portions are also good enough for three (people with a moderate appetite).Not only this we were served a Tamarind drink at the end which is supposed to aid digestion - A Nice Tangy one...

One thing that we particularly liked was the automatic sliding glass doors at entrance of the kitchen which makes the lives of the waiters much simpler, rather than holding it each time they walk in and out.The staff is courteous and the service is "Excellence beyond par".I guess the USP of this place is their uncompromising attitude to quality.All in all this place is a must try.

Rating (on 5) : Food **** Ambience **** Service **** (Wouldn't mind giving it a full rating but kept a one point buffer being a critic...)

Address - Park NAR, Road no. 92 Jubilee Hills, (5th floor and rooftop of the Volkswagen showroom Building), Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500034

Contact Information - 9849256292, 9885736516

Food Type - Thai

Meal for two - Rs.1200 (including appetizers, starters, drinks and desserts)

Timings : 12 noon to 3:00 pm 8 pm to 11.00 pm