Sala Thai

Sala Thai is a Thai restaurant on the Naama Bay promenade in Sharm El Sheikh, in Egypt's South Sinai Governorate. The name refers to the open-sided pavilion found in Thai architecture, and the restaurant offers outdoor tables along the promenade, which suit warm evenings on the Red Sea coast. It is one of the more specialised dining options in Naama Bay, where Italian, Egyptian and international menus dominate.

Tom yum soup is the listed specialty, a hot and sour broth flavoured with lemongrass, galangal, lime and chilli, usually served with shrimp or chicken. Pad thai, stir-fried rice noodles with egg, peanuts and tamarind sauce, and green curry, made with coconut milk, Thai basil and chilli, are the other signature orders. The menu generally extends to fried rice, spring rolls, stir-fried meat and seafood, and desserts such as mango with sticky rice. Prices are in the upper bracket ($$$), above typical Egyptian restaurants, and diners should expect a full meal with drinks to cost considerably more than at local eateries.

The atmosphere is calm and slightly more formal than the casual cafes nearby, with promenade views, evening lighting and moderate noise. There is no strict dress code, though smart-casual resort wear is common. The restaurant opens daily from about 18:00 until midnight, so it serves dinner only. Alcohol availability depends on licensing, so visitors who want wine or beer should ask when seated; Thai iced tea, juices and soft drinks are typical alternatives.

Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and between October and April, when outdoor tables are in demand. Spice levels can usually be adjusted on request, which is useful for diners who prefer milder dishes. The promenade location is within walking distance of many Naama Bay hotels.