Ficus

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Dining Beneath the Ficus Tree

At The Sarojin, the restaurant named Ficus takes its identity from the ancient tree that shades its tables — a setting that is at once elemental and quietly theatrical. Guests dine on the edge of the Andaman Sea, within 10 acres of tropical gardens at one of Khao Lak's most celebrated boutique resorts. The kitchen draws on the European and Mediterranean traditions, weaving in local produce — seafood fresh from the Andaman, herbs grown in The Sarojin's own gardens, and tropical fruits that arrive at their peak — to create a menu that is both rooted in place and broadly appealing.

The wine list earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, a recognition that reflects the care taken in selecting and pairing bottles to complement the kitchen's fusion approach. Fine wines can be selected and decanted tableside, and wine pairing is offered as a natural extension of the meal.

The Kitchen's Philosophy

Ingredients are fresh, chefs are passionate, and tables are set in extraordinary locations — that is how The Sarojin describes its own approach to food, and the dining programme at Ficus lives up to it. All dishes can be tailored to dietary requirements, whether vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, gluten free, or halal. The à la carte breakfast — served with sparkling wine until 6 p.m. — has become something of an institution at the resort, dissolving the usual boundaries between morning and afternoon.

Setting and Atmosphere

The dining room opens to the beach, with the shimmering Andaman as backdrop and the Ficus tree overhead providing natural canopy. The atmosphere is unhurried and personal; the question the team likes to ask guests is simply, "where would you like your table set today?" Private dining options extend the experience beyond the restaurant itself — a candlelit dinner beside a jungle waterfall, a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach, or a table on a private sand island are all part of what Ficus and The Sarojin offer.

A Resort with Roots in the Community

The Sarojin was founded by Kate and Andrew Kemp, who chose Khao Lak deliberately for its authentic Thai character and undisturbed landscapes. When the Boxing Day Tsunami struck in 2004 — just days before the resort was due to open — the Kemps rebuilt not just the property but the livelihoods of their entire staff, becoming the first employer in the area to bring workers back and begin recovery. That commitment to the community remains central to how the resort, and its restaurant, operate today.