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the setting Overlooking sparkling white sands and calm water, Tao Benoa features great views and a healthy dose of Thai culture. The walls and ceiling are decked in red and gold and made us feel like Anna walking into the King’s palace. There was plenty of sunlight shining through the French windows, but if you want to really soak up the sun, then Tao’s outdoor area is quite lovely and is gently caressed by cool ocean breezes. grazing tao benoa the food If your palate craves South-East Asian fare, then it will be well satisfied here. We started our festive lunch with some thod man kung, a fried and dried minced prawn cake which was crunchy on the outside and succulent inside. The real deal came when some classically tangy tom yam kung and Penang green curry were served. The two dishes were rich in both colour and flavour. The fresh king river prawns in the tom yam kissed the lemongrass broth, kaffir leaves and chilli, while the creamy coconut milk drizzled on top of the Penang green curry balanced the excitement of the spices perfectly.Our pla tord Kariam prikthai was certainly not as tricky to eat as it was to order. The stir-fried grouper was lightly sautéed in fresh garlic and black pepper and was delightfully spiced and a real treat. Our sensational seafood was complemented by a traditional green-mango salad known as yam mamung, which added a deliciously sour freshness to the proceedings. All were served with white or red rice. the unique Tao Benoa offered us some real acculturation! It specialises in Thai food, however the influence of various nations can be detected in its vast menu. East meets West here as authentic spices are blended and fused into a culinary cornucopia that really tingles the old taste buds. Milder dishes are available but it’s the piquant dishes that are the real deal here. Tao Benoa, Jl. Pratama no. 96, Tanjung Benoa, T: 0361 772 902 © 2010 Hello Bali Magazine, All Rights Reserved. Indo Multi Media