A New Coastal Chapter at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
A leisurely getaway trip aboard the Bangkok to Hua Hin Weekend Express naturally deserves an equally memorable culinary experience once you arrive to the InterContinental Resort.
At InterContinental Hua Hin, that experience unfolds at Azure, the resort’s newly reimagined beachfront restaurant, where Mediterranean elegance meets the relaxed rhythm of Thailand’s Gulf coast.
Recently transformed into an authentic Italian dining destination, Azure embraces the warmth of Southern Italy through bright lemon inspired interiors, handcrafted ceramics and uninterrupted sea views. Under the direction of Sicilian Executive Chef Mario Caramella, whose three decade career spans some of the world’s most celebrated luxury hotels and acclaimed Italian restaurants, the restaurant celebrates regional Italian recipes elevated with carefully sourced local ingredients. The result is a dining experience that feels both refined and wonderfully relaxed, perfectly complementing Hua Hin’s seaside atmosphere.
A Taste of Italy by the Sea
Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Azure immediately transports guests to the Italian coastline. Crisp white furnishings, coastal colours and panoramic ocean views create an inviting setting where long lunches unfold at an unhurried pace. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the effortless elegance of Mediterranean living while embracing the tropical beauty of Hua Hin.
Beginning with Italian Classics
Lunch commenced with two timeless appetisers that showcased Azure’s commitment to authentic flavours and premium ingredients.
Bruschetta
The bruschetta proved that simplicity often delivers the greatest rewards. Thick slices of grilled rustic bread were topped with vine ripened tomatoes, sweet sun dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic and generous drizzles of extra virgin olive oil. The freshness of the tomatoes paired beautifully with the smoky bread, while the olive oil tied every flavour together with classic Italian finesse. It was light, vibrant and wonderfully refreshing.
Crispy Calamari
Perfectly golden and delicately crisp, the calamari featured tender squid encased in an exceptionally light coating that avoided any heaviness. Served alongside a creamy tartar sauce, the dish balanced texture and flavour beautifully, allowing the natural sweetness of the seafood to remain the focal point. It was an elegant interpretation of a beloved Italian favourite.
The Star of the Afternoon
Mortazza Pizza
Among the highlights of the meal was the Mortazza pizza, a beautifully crafted combination of tomato, creamy burrata, delicate mortadella, pistachios and fresh rocket leaves.
The burrata introduced a luxurious creaminess that melted effortlessly into the mozzarella beneath, while the peppery rocket provided freshness and balance. The pistachios elevated the entire pizza, adding delicate sweetness and a satisfying crunch that contrasted beautifully with the soft cheeses. Every bite delivered layers of flavour and texture, making this one of the most memorable dishes on the menu.
Handmade Pasta with Character
Spaghetti Assassina
One of Southern Italy’s most iconic pasta dishes, the Spaghetti Assassina demonstrated Azure’s respect for traditional techniques. Slowly cooked until sections of the spaghetti became delicately caramelised, the pasta developed crisp edges while maintaining a perfectly chewy centre. Tossed through a rich spicy tomato sauce, every mouthful delivered remarkable depth, balancing sweetness, acidity and gentle heat in a dish that felt both rustic and sophisticated.
A Celebration of the Sea
Risotto ai Frutti di Mare
The seafood risotto embodied the essence of coastal Italian cuisine. Creamy Arborio rice was combined with succulent prawns, tender squid, fresh mussels, sweet clams and soft shell crab, creating a dish filled with the natural flavours of the sea. Rich without feeling heavy, every spoonful delivered silky texture and perfectly balanced seafood notes that lingered long after the final bite.
Premium Beef Done Right
Entrecôte
The grilled Charolais French beef sirloin arrived cooked medium rare exactly as requested, revealing a beautifully pink centre that highlighted both tenderness and exceptional quality. Served with a rich mushroom sauce, the earthy flavours complemented the natural richness of the beef without overpowering it. The sauce added depth while allowing the premium cut to remain the undeniable star of the plate, creating a refined main course worthy of the restaurant’s elegant surroundings.
A Trio of Italian Indulgence
Dessert provided the perfect conclusion to an exceptional lunch, offering three timeless classics that each showcased a different side of Italian inspired indulgence.
Crème Brûlée
The crème brûlée featured a beautifully caramelised sugar crust that cracked delicately beneath the spoon before revealing an impossibly smooth vanilla custard underneath. The contrast between crisp caramel and silky cream created a dessert that was both comforting and refined.
Chocolate Cake
Rich, moist and deeply indulgent, the chocolate cake delivered intense cocoa flavours balanced by a soft, luxurious texture. Every bite satisfied without becoming overly sweet, making it a dream for chocolate lovers.
Tiramisu
No Italian dining experience would be complete without tiramisu. Azure’s version combined delicate layers of espresso soaked sponge fingers with airy mascarpone cream, finished with a generous dusting of cocoa powder. Light yet deeply satisfying, it delivered the perfect balance of coffee, cream and sweetness to conclude the meal.
A New Culinary Destination in Hua Hin
Azure successfully introduces a fresh chapter to InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, bringing authentic Italian flavours to one of Thailand’s most elegant beachfront settings. Guided by the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Mario Caramella, the restaurant seamlessly blends traditional Italian recipes with premium local ingredients, attentive service and breathtaking views across the Gulf of Thailand.
Whether arriving aboard the Bangkok to Hua Hin Weekend Express or simply seeking one of Hua Hin’s finest seaside restaurants, Azure delivers an experience where exceptional cuisine, refined hospitality and coastal elegance come together effortlessly. From beautifully executed classics and handcrafted pasta to premium grilled meats and unforgettable desserts, every course reflects a genuine passion for Italian cooking, leaving guests with lasting memories long after the final plate has been cleared.
Feature Article by
Lifestyle & Luxury Travel Editor
Shahzain Mustafa