Songkran Lunch at Al Meroz

Songkran is here!

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The three-day traditional Thai new year and Buddhist water festival is once again upon us. Bangkok has emptied as people take time off work and head back to their home provinces, and the city gears up for its annual water gun fight.

a tiny shrine at the subway station

I've participated in the Songkran festivities before, but it's really something that you've got to do in a group. This year, all of my friends are working or busy, and Songkran isn't so fun alone.

another shrine at the Airport Rail Link Station

I was planning to stay in and stay dry, but was very happy when my old friend and former boss gave me a call inviting me to lunch.

yet another shrine at the Metro Mall inside the MRT station

We met up around lunchtime, and caught a cab to the nearby Al Meroz Hotel. My boss told me that this is one of his favorite places to have lunch in Bangkok. I had seen the arabesque golden domes of the Al Meroz before, but never knew what it was.

at the Al Meroz Hotel

"Have as much as you like. We've got to get our money's worth", he told me. He paused and shook his head as we entered the lobby. "Just don't try to order a beer."

lunch with my old boss

As it turns out, the Al Meroz is a luxury hotel, and Bangkok's premier "halal hotel", meaning that it's built, run by, and caters mostly (though not exclusively) to Muslim tourists. The hotel serves only halal dishes, and has separate hours for men and women to use the gym and swimming pool. It's also very, very nice.

inside the hotel

Lunch was a buffet consisting of some delicious food. There was dim sum, roti and curry, soups of all kinds, roast lamb, and even pizza. Of course, when you are treated to a buffet, you must take your time! Geoffrey and I stayed there for over an hour, talking and eating. We enjoyed several cups of coffee and tea.

the lobby of the hotel

The best part though was the dessert. There were dozens of tiny cakes and puddings, and I had to stop myself from trying every single one.