A venue named Dara Cuisine Phuket and Sky Observatory at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is positioned to become a popular destination for modern Thai dining and stargazing on the island. Dara, which means ‘star’ in Thai, honors the country’s culinary tradition and the historical use of stars in navigation by Andaman seafarers.
The new Sky Observatory provides an opportunity for guests to experience the night sky intimately, with a custom-built Ash dome and a powerful telescope. Craft cocktails inspired by constellations accompany guided tours of celestial wonders.
During daytime, Anantara’s team of chefs offers Thai cooking masterclasses, while evenings highlight Dara’s culinary journey through Thailand’s regional specialties and Royal Thai cuisine. Dishes like Moohong Phuket from the South, Khao Soi curry noodle soup from the North, and Miang Kham Khai Hoy Mhen from Central Thailand showcase the diverse flavors of the country.
Northeastern delicacies like Kob Thod Nam Pla and Nam Tok Nuea Ko Kun receive a creative touch from Head Chef Supakarn Lienpanich, known as Chef Hong.
Craft cocktails, featuring local spirits and celestial themes, complement the food menu. Dara emphasizes the use of quality local produce and partners with eco-conscious farms and fisheries, adapting its menu according to the seasonal availability of ingredients.
The restaurant’s interior pays homage to Thailand’s artisan heritage, featuring a curated collection of regional crafts.
Dara Cuisine Phuket offers cooking classes from noon to 3:00 pm and dinner service from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily, while the Sky Observatory is open for drinks and stargazing from 6:00 pm until midnight.