Anaala Malta: Thai, four regional kitchens in Valletta
Thai, four regional kitchens Ā· Valletta, Malta
Our Review of Anaala, Valletta
Food at Anaala: 13/20
Verdict: tiny fiery portions with no choice. Oh dear, oh dear. We always want to support new openings, and gave this one a few weeks to settle in before visiting. But, āmore in sorrow than in anger,ā I must report that this place is fatally flawed. The problems are rooted in its very concept ā four different cuisines reflecting four different Thai traditions ā but with only one available each night. This might seem like an interesting idea, and perhaps it is welcomed by the kind of hotel guests who donāt want to venture out to Maltaās fabulous selection of restaurants in the evening. But in reality it is hopeless. With no choice allowed you will inevitably end up with something you donāt want. And while a ā¬59 price for each menu sounds good, portions are tiny, particularly for Malta. You may leave hungry which is never a recommendation. Dishes are for two but each is a small bowl or saucer. There are just two main courses, i.e. one small bowl each, with the theoretical escape valve of being able to order extra dishes from the grill at an additional ā¬40 each. But the night we visited, the two small bowls were steak and fish, and the grill offeredā¦ yes you got it, steak or fish. Even without these additions our check was close to ā¬300. Anaala means āfireā in Hindu tradition, and indeed the South Thai menu leans heavily towards the hottest Indian influence in Thailand. Unless you are a hardened Vindaloo lover it is probably best avoided. The tiny Amuse Bouche is a dollop of highly curried vegetables served with three wafer-thin rice crackers. A small saucer of deep-fried soft shell crab with spicy vegetables would have been better in its place; it certainly is an inadequate starter. A little bowl of hot chicken soup and then you are into the main courses. Turmeric-marinated sea bream fillet with chilli-lime sauce is two small pieces of fish, and the sauce is so hot it is of no use to man nor beast. But then that is nothing compared to the beef massaman curry which in my view is spiced to the point of being inedible. We had been warned by spies that there was a āheat issueā and so had requested mild versions. I hate to think what the full-powered one is like. Say goodbye to your tongue. Why so hot? Chilli peppers are not native to Thailand. Portuguese traders introduced them from South America, and the trading links to India reinforced spicing. Historically, the extreme heat of Southern Thailand meant that fresh food spoiled rapidly and without modern refrigeration, spices became essential culinary and biological tools. Fortunately Malta has had refrigerators for some time now.
Atmosphere at Anaala: 7/10
The first thing to say is this restaurant is very difficult to find. I was told it is in the Iniala hotel, which is only half true, and that it is next to Ion Harbour, the hotelās fine dining establishment, which is completely untrue. Iniala has spilled over into another building on the street behind, Iniala Solis, and the entrance is at the back, so that is a full two streets away from Inialaās main entrance. This is a rooftop restaurant, in true Bangkok tradition, but be warned the rooftop in front has plenty of obstacles to your view. The mother ship Iniala gets in the way. Of course not all seats have that view anyway ā I found myself staring at a wall. The crowd is inevitably dominated by hotel guests, wealthy Americans etc, and local expats in search of a new āfind.ā I despair that new openings are consulting ārestaurant consultantsā in an effort to raise their profitability. I can save them the consulting fee. Such consultants will always say āmake the portions small, limit the menu choice and squeeze the tables close together.ā Maybe this can work in a hotel with revolving guests, but you wonāt get locals returning and out of season such a formula will struggle.
Service at Anaala: 8/10
The service is excellent here in true Iniala tradition, although there were a couple of slip ups. Cocktails are good, a āmust haveā in American-dominated modern hotels. The wine list is not quite as ānosebleedā as Ion Harbour, but still has its moments. The local wine Jean Parisot is good, but not ā¬150 good. There are a few delights, but frankly given the fiery nature of the food it is probably best to stick to the cheap stuff. Sorry Mr Consultant. Address & Contact Rooftop, Iniala Solis, St Ursula Street, Valletta Phone: +356 9911 0166 Email: dine@anaalavalletta.com Website: https://www.iniala.com/iniala-valletta/dining/anaala Open nightly from 6pm
Cuisine
Thai, four regional kitchens
Price Level
ā¬ā¬ā¬ā¬
Hours
Open nightly from 6pm
Ratings
Anaala ā Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Anaala serve?
Anaala is a Thai, four regional kitchens restaurant in Valletta, Malta.
What are the opening hours of Anaala?
Anaala opening hours: Open nightly from 6pm.
How expensive is Anaala?
Anaala is rated ā¬ā¬ā¬ā¬ for price (on a scale of ā¬ to ā¬ā¬ā¬ā¬ā¬).
Where is Anaala in Malta?
Anaala is located in Valletta, Malta at Rooftop, Iniala Solis, St Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta.
Is Anaala worth visiting?
Anaala scored 28/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (13/20), atmosphere (7/10) and service (8/10).
Can I book a table at Anaala online?
Yes, Anaala accepts online reservations via their official website.