As Dhanmondi residents, with their diverse palates, look for authentic Thai flavors close by, they often find themselves trekking to Gulshan or Banani to satisfy their cravings.
However, Boho, the latest addition to Dhanmondi's restaurant scene, emerges as a beacon of hope after extensive research and development.
Manager Alamin Mustafa Talukder elucidates: "We've noticed a strong desire for authentic Thai cuisine among Dhanmondi locals, yet the inconvenience of travelling far distances persists. Boho aims to bridge this gap by bringing genuine Thai flavours near them."
Food
Our meal at Boho began with an array of appetizers: shrimp cakes, Tom Yum soup, and chicken Namtok salad.
The shrimp cakes, adorned with dark brown golden hues, were not only visually striking but also a symphony of flavours.
Each bite revealed the umami goodness of well-cooked shrimp cake, tender meat marinated in red curry paste, green beans, coconut milk, and fish sauce, then delicately deep-fried. Accompanied by a sweet chilli sauce, although optional, we found the cakes delectable on their own.
Next on our tasting adventure was the chicken Namtok salad, generously coated in Namtok sauce and featuring grilled chicken, shallots, aromatic spices, and fragrant ground-roasted rice powder.
While the Namtok sauce, a harmonious blend of palm sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and chilli flakes, delivered a delightful kick, we found the grilled chicken slightly tougher than desired, detracting slightly from the overall enjoyment of the salad.
Our appetite whetted, and we delved into a steaming bowl of classic hot and sour Tom Yum soup. Infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, lime juice, and chilli peppers, the soup tantalized our taste buds. However, an overpowering aroma and taste of vinegar marred the experience, leaving the soup seemingly undercooked and the aroma less than appealing.
For the main course, we indulged in chicken green curry, mixed fried rice, and seafood young coconut.
The chicken green curry was a burst of flavour, enriched by a medley of ingredients including green curry paste, coconut milk, snow peas, and bamboo shoots. Paired with the fragrant mixed fried rice, it formed a truly satisfying combination, with each component perfectly complementing the other.
Finally, we savoured the seafood young coconut, presented in a coconut shell brimming with a rich coconut-based sauce. While visually stunning, the dish leaned heavily on coconut, perhaps overly so, leaving us yearning for a more balanced flavour profile.
In terms of pricing, Boho offers a range of options from Tk495 to Tk1,895, excluding VAT, with the average price hovering around Tk695.
Ambience
Located in the heart of Dhanmondi, Boho exudes an understated elegance through its décor.
Bamboo pendant ceiling lamps cast a soft glow, delicately scattered throughout the space, while golden tones imbue the room with warmth and sophistication.
The tables and chairs, adorned in hues of light brown and cream, harmonize seamlessly with the restaurant's thematic palette, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere that envelops diners upon arrival.
Challenges
Having opened its doors just a day before Eid Ul Fitr in April, Boho finds itself in the midst of its soft launch phase, a period characterized by limited options and ongoing menu expansions.
"While we weren't able to offer an extensive array of choices right from the start on Eid, we're progressively enhancing our menu each day based on feedback and refining our offerings," explained Talukder.
To uphold the authenticity of Thai cuisine in Dhanmondi while ensuring affordability, the restaurant has strategically adjusted profit margins while maintaining uncompromising standards in ingredient quality, as per Talukder's assertion.
Amidst the bustling and competitive service sector of Dhaka, Talukder underscores that Boho's primary focus lies not in rivalry with other establishments, but in self-improvement.
"Our aim is continuous improvement, surpassing our own standards day by day. We're not competing with others; we're striving to exceed our benchmarks," he added.
Verdict
For Thai cuisine enthusiasts, we highly recommend exploring Boho's newly curated and distinctive Thai menu, with particular emphasis on their sumptuous green curry, flavorful Namtok salad, and delectable shrimp cakes.
Considering the prevailing economic situation and the authenticity of the cuisine offered, we find the price range to be remarkably reasonable.
