The experience of each has been pretty amazing. That’s to be expected given the ratings however, they were amazing in totally different ways.

Gaggan was a visual feast of intricate precision and artistry. Nothing was what it appeared aside from the lamb. It looked exactly like lamb. That said, the combination of spices and sweet potato on the plate were done in such a way as to look like part of the plate rather than an accompaniment to the meat. 

We were fortunate to be seated in the front room which has views of the kitchen so we could watch all our food being put together. Watching them work is like watching the inside of a Swiss watch. 

Dishes were served in tiffin boxes, dark plates with glass bowls lifted to reveal smoking mystery food, teapots used to pour tomato soup, potplant bowls in four layers each revealing fish cooked in various ways culminating in the big reveal – fish bone jelly. 

The drinks looked equally impressive, particularly the coconut lassi. Served in a coconut sitting on a square wooden sake box with dry ice drifting out. It looked great. 

We left feeling full yet comfortable.

Reviews from my dining buddies were mixed. Two that had eaten their previously were disappointed and the two that hadn’t were impressed as it wasn’t a la carte and while the tasting menu could be adapted, the flexibility was not quite the same. 

Issaya specialises in great tasting food. That’s not to say the presentation is lousy, it’s not the main focus. It’s just the Thai flavours are the focus and the food tasted amazing. The combination of flavours and textures was refreshing and fantastic. The venue itself is in a colonial style building with fun furnishings that are so inviting, it’s a surprise that I’m not still sitting there. 

The drinks were brilliant both in look and flavour. 

So if you’re looking for an experience and amazing presentation, go to Gaggan. If you’re looking for upmarket flavourful ‘normal’ Thai, go to Issaya. Gaggan is a one-off experience. Issaya is one to return to. Many times. Many, many times. 

And another time too.

*Thanks to Weird Al Yancovic for the title this post and my dining buddies for picking the title.