Apricot House [Phratamnak soi 4]

July 24, 2014

Wandering around this morning, LK Metro area, town has a depressing feel to it early on, even more so in low season. None of the usual haunts appealed, so I drove back up Pratamnak thinking I might head for Cabbages & Condoms. On my way down soi 4 I spotted a restaurant on the left (not far from Gerry's Bar) I hadn't noticed before - "Apricot House". Why not?

Not a great start; although a group of four had already had their orders taken, after 10 minutes still no sign of any staff, so I headed for the kitchen.

A menu was produced, Thai/ international food, and an emphasis on dishes from the southern Caucasus. Owner Narek explained that it was a family-run business, and they were originally from Armenia. The restaurant had been open six months.

Nice decor, simple, with a comfortable seating area outside. I picked the 'House Deluxe' set menu (see photo); a traditional Armenian barbecue, served with something called a 'Shepherd's Garnish', pita bread, tan (?), and a glass of house red, all for 345 baht. Armenian cuisine is a first for me, so I didn't know what to expect.

The meal came quickly. The pork fillet had been marinated before cooking; it was delicious and very tender. The Shepherd's Garnish was very similar to a slow-cooked French ratatouille. The pita bread was very tasty.

At first sight the 'tan' looked like a glass of milk... it turns out that this is a daily drink in Armenia, similar to a Greek yoghurt, but mixed with water and salt. I was a bit dubious about how this would go with my glass of wine, but Narek assured me that it's an excellent drink for the digestion. Ok I'll try anything once. It was actually really good. 3 hours on I'm suffering no ill effects from the strange combination, so maybe I should have a glass or two every day.

Finds like this are great. It really was an excellent meal, prepared with care and pride, another example of how small 'home cooking' restaurants can rival the fine dining establishments at a cheaper price - and without the pretentiousness. Without a doubt I shall be going back soon

Find Apricot House on our map - FB page Apricot House