Sitting in the comfortable 1,800 square-foot elegant space that houses Montego Bay’s latest culinary destination, Mystic Thai, with husband and wife principals Arun and Kareena Mahbubani and their beautiful daughter Isha is like breaking bread with dear friends.

Indeed, many of our Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judges speak fondly of Kareena and her passion for creating meals as beautiful as they are tasty in a setting as exquisite as her saris.

Welcoming us to her latest project is just as special. Sitting with us in relax mode — you guessed it, a major challenge — “ I want to ensure all is well,” ruing the moment she accepted the seat on the banquette between us.

As with anything new, there are a few kinks to iron out, but her team — from the knowledgeable barman Romain Baker to restaurant manager Deeptonshu Batra — are more than competent.

It’s to be noted, however, that the success of Mystic India is the result of the owners’ hands-on approach. We reckon the same formula will be utilised with Mystic Thai.

It has taken seven months for the doors of Mystic Thai to open. “We wanted to get it right,” explains the young couple. “We love Thai cuisine and always seek out Thai restaurants when we travel… this restaurant is more about the food that we love than a business per se.” They have from the spacious feel to the cosy banquette seating, silk partitions, and gorgeous Thai silk lanterns that occupy the space.

If Thai food is a passion, Scotch is the beverage of choice for Kareena’s husband Arun, who has taken his time to build a bar dedicated to Scotch that includes the Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask hailed by Jim Murray, author of The Whisky Bible, as the best whisky in the world.

Whisky aside, don’t get Food Awards judges Annaliesa Lindsay and Josina Jackson started on the lavender martini and lychee cocktails and Adolph Raynor on Mystic Thai’s smoked whisky.

The exquisitely styled beetroot and avocado salad is followed by the lemon grass and coconut milk scented Tom Kha goong soup. Both are given rave reviews – indeed, there’s nothing to fault about the fresh and distinct flavours of each.

Kareena speaks to the healthy aspect of Thai food, like the Tom Yum Soup which is currently under scientific study for its health benefits. Of course, it’s already known that many of the fresh herbs and spices used in Thai cooking such as turmeric, galangal, coriander, lemongrass, and fresh chillies have immune system-boosting and disease-fighting power.

Thai food is nutritionally dense because the dishes, are primarily stir-fried or cooked very quickly by steam. This means that they retain all their goodness and health benefits. We’re as eager to pick up our silver once again as we are to learn about lemongrass, distinctively perfumed with a delightful citrus scent. It is particularly rich in antioxidants that prevent inflammation within the body.

Kaffir lime leaves are used extensively at Mystic Thai. Few might be aware of its digestive aid. The leaves cleanse the blood while helping to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Galangal, which is used in the creation of many authentic Thai dishes is a super food in terms of its ability to help with any gastro-intestinal problems, particularly bloating, as it has a very calming and easing effect on the system.

Thursday Life reckons the caramelised banana and chocolate ice cream which brought our meal to a delectable close is as healthy as it is delicious.

Mystic Thai

Opens dailyas of next week for both lunch and dinner from 11:30 am — 10:00 pmReservations are recommended.

B11 Fairview Towne Centre

e-mail: mysticthai7@gmail.com

Tel: 1876 889-2430

1876 633-6535/6

Opens dailyas of next week for both lunch and dinner from 11:30 am — 10:00 pm

Reservations are recommended.