Burmese chef cooking up ambrosial pizza

By ROBERT GREER

TIN Kollat, a Burmese, saw a need for Italian food on the beach road in Chaweng. “I love Italian food myself; I already owned one restaurant that had a second floor that was not being used. I looked around my area of Chaweng and did not see any good pizza or pasta places so I said to myself, why not open one?” That is how Ambrosia Pizza and Pasta was born.

For 12 years Tin had worked for a chef who taught him everything he knew about food. “Lloyd was a fantastic chef. Everyone loved his food, including me,” says Tin, referring to the chef that would set Tin’s career on course in the restaurant industry.

The decor of Ambrosia screams Italian. From the red-white-and-green tablecloths to the similarly colored walls, you know you are in an Italian food joint. Also, as you come up the stairs to the restaurant, you are greeted with a free sample slice of their mouth- watering pizza to get your appetite going, that is, if it is not already from the delicious smells of garlic, parmesan, pasta and various other ingredients that emanate from the kitchen.

The pizzas have thin, hand-made crusts that Tin prepares himself, and there are numerous toppings to choose from.

The New York pizza has pepperoni, feta cheese, green olives and artichoke hearts.

The Blue Hawaiian has thick slices of Canadian-style bacon, pineapple, black olives and blue cheese. There is even a pizza named after Lloyd. “I really cannot thank Lloyd enough for showing me the art of cooking, I am sure he would be proud of the dishes I am serving now,” says Tin.

Below the Ambrosia Pizza and Pasta restaurant is the Chaweng Food Market, also owned by Tin, and food can be ordered from there as well.

They offer lamb chops, king crab from Chili, chicken BBQ, steak, fish, lobster and oysters on half shells. Thai dishes are available as well.

Along with the expansive main-course menu is a very wide selection of drinks.

A full bar with all the amenities provide any concoction that can be thought of.

A fine sampling of desserts tops off what is sure to be an excellent Italian meal.

Ambrosia Pizza and Pasta is located opposite the Central Hotel in the middle of Chaweng.