A serene island retreat overlooking the Andaman Sea, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort has transformed into a stargazer’s paradise with Thailand’s first dining and sky observatory at its signature dining venue, Dara Cuisine Phuket. This contemporary restaurant offers constellation-inspired cocktails and seasonal fare, allowing guests to indulge in gourmet cuisine while marveling at the night sky as the universe unfolds above them.
Inspired by Thailand’s culinary heritage and the Andaman seafarers who navigated deep waters by the stars, Dara Cuisine Phuket (‘Dara,’ meaning ‘star’ in Thai), created the new Sky Observatory. The setting is a stargazer’s dream, with its breezy deck and custom-built ash dome. Here, guests can enjoy constellation-inspired craft cocktails while Sky Storytellers guide them through the wonders of the night sky using Phuket’s most advanced state-of-the-art telescope.
During the day, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort’s renowned chefs lead masterclasses in the art of Thai cooking in the show kitchen, but as night falls, the restaurant shines as its menu guides diners through local specialties from a variety of regions across Thailand (including esteemed Royal Thai cuisine).
Highlights include Southern Thailand’s Moohong Phuket, a slow-cooked pork belly with soy, star anise, and cinnamon; Northern Thailand’s Khao Soi curry noodle soup with river prawns, homemade egg noodles, and pickles; and Tam Ka Noon Mun Wan, a young jackfruit salad served with sweet potato chips. Central Thai dishes feature the intricate flavors of Miang Kham Khai Hoy Mhen, a snack from the Siamese court, and a rich green curry with Phuket lobster.
Northeastern specialties, such as Kob Thod Nam Pla with crispy frog legs and Nam Tok Nuea Ko Kun with Korat wagyu beef, highlight Head Chef Supakarn (Hong) Lienpanich’s innovative takes on family recipes and fermentation techniques. For dessert, the goat cheese and honey ice cream with Krabi cashew praline is a must to end the indulgent experience on a sweet note.
Complementing the cuisine at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a selection of fine wines and craft cocktails featuring local spirits, each themed after unique celestial wonders. These sips showcase the diversity of Thai ingredients, from creamy coconut and grassy pandan to fragrant jasmine and earthy hibiscus.
“Dara’s culinary philosophy is simple: honor the natural taste of quality local produce and let the ingredients shine,” says chef Hong, in a press release. “In addition to growing our own herbs, we’ve partnered with eco-conscious local farms and fisheries, which allows us to adapt to the rhythm of the seasons – from serving crisp harvest ingredients in the dry months to showcasing Thailand’s natural abundance when the monsoon comes.”
Dara Cuisine Phuket is open daily for cooking classes from noon until 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. The Sky Observatory, with drinks and stargazing, operates from 6 p.m. until midnight. For more information about Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, visit anantara.com.