Yesterday was one of those special days. My friends and I decided to check out Khlong Katha Waterfall and Khlong Katha Reservoir. The sights were breathtaking, and we soaked up the beauty all morning.
By afternoon, our stomachs were growling, so we all agreed to head over to Rawai for some grub. We settled on a place called "Ali's BBQ," known for its grilling style. I remembered being there about a year ago with my husband's family, and I was eager to go back.
We pulled up and saw those cute little bamboo arches in front of the shops, marking our spot. I parked the car right in front, and as we walked in, the staff greeted us warmly. The place was pretty roomy, with different sections to choose from. There was a private area with a bamboo arch, a back part that felt like a trendy lounge, and a big central spot under a bamboo tent with loads of tables. We opted for the tent—it had low tables with comfy seat cushions.
Once settled at our chosen table, the attentive staff promptly handed us the food menu. I didn't hesitate; I opted for the same dish I had savored during my previous visit with my husband's family. The memory of its exquisite taste lingered vividly in my mind. It had been a culinary revelation, unlike anything I'd experienced before. Its origins eluded me; perhaps it was a fusion of various cuisines. Regardless, its flavor was simply divine.
For a drink, I settled on a refreshing watermelon smoothie. My friend, sharing my enthusiasm for the dish, decided on the same choice. With the menu still in our hands, my friend inquired if I fancied ordering dessert. A brief contemplation led me to the conclusion that the portions here were so generous, that I doubted I'd have room for more. So, we decided to forgo any additional sweets.
As we waited in anticipation, the ambiance around us buzzed with the hum of contented diners, each indulging in their own culinary delights. The prospect of relishing that familiar dish, accompanied by the cool, sweet embrace of the watermelon smoothie, filled me with a sense of joyful anticipation. This was a meal to savor, a moment to treasure.
After a patient wait, our much-anticipated meal arrived, and what a sight it was! The portion was generous, more than we could have imagined. The rice, a delicate blend of white and yellow grains, lay elegantly beside the beautifully grilled meat. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. This was precisely the flavor I had been yearning for.
As we dug in, time seemed to stretch, the hours slipping by. It took us nearly sixty minutes, and yet only half the food on our plates had vanished. The servings were so ample that my friend let out a resigned sigh and motioned for the staff to kindly pack the remaining portions for us to take home.
The combination of quality and affordability at this eatery was truly remarkable. "Ali BBQ" certainly didn't disappoint. With operating hours from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., it catered to a wide range of schedules. However, it seemed that the evening crowd held a special affinity for this place. The atmosphere buzzed with contentment, a testament to the restaurant's popularity.