“WE will guide you on a magical adventure of tastes, aromas and textures.” That’s what the team at Tiien Thai in Bournemouth promise, and having sampled their culinary delights, I can verify this statement to be true.

Having always been hooked on Thai cuisine, I was looking forward to trying out their specialties. Since opening in January 2011, this gem has certainly stamped its mark in the town.

Before the opening, Tiien Thai was blessed by Pra Arejarn Utai, a Buddhist Monk from Thailand who carried out a traditional ceremony promising to bring luck to all who dine here.

Tiien Thai is the latest restaurant in the group, joining The Indian Ocean in West Cliff Road and The Indian Lounge in Old Christchurch Road.

As soon as we stepped through the door we were greeted by a friendly member of staff dressed in beautiful authentic attire who showed us to our table.

The decor is serene yet contemporary. Wherever you look there are inspired decorative touches such as feature lampshades made with specially sourced material with black and white illustrations.

The beautifully crafted floor and walls are built with exotic merbau and sapele hardwoods – both chosen for their popular use in Thailand and eco credentials. Traditional music was the perfect accompaniment.

I learnt that in Thailand Tiien (pronounced T’N) means candle, and they certainly make use of them here to create a wonderful ambience – the attractive wall panelling provides a natural home for the candles lit every day.

In addition to the main restaurant and lounge bar, there’s a private room beautifully decorated in gold leaf, which is ideal for private celebrations.

The lounge bar itself is a sophisticated setting to enjoy a cocktail. The colourful bar stools and striped loungers are made with recycled pineapple paper. From here a door leads out to the terrace which, on a warm day, is perfectly positioned to soak up the sun.

The bar menu serves up an enticing selection of European favourites, such as burgers with a Thai twist. So, on to our food. With a vast array of mouth-watering dishes it was hard to choose. Head chef Pong Pan sources authentic Thai ingredients to produce sublime flavours and there was something for all tastes including starters, a great choice of salads, soups, curries, stir-fried dishes, fish, noodles, rice and vegetable dishes. They also have a ‘Chinese’ corner with five favourites available plus three set menus available for two people or more.

With that, we went for Set Menu Thai A – for a minimum of two people (£20.95 per head).

We chose the mixed starter to share which included a selection of spring rolls, barbecued chicken wings, chicken satay, prawn toasts and fish cakes served with peanut sauce, sweet chilli sauce and cucumber salsa. The flavours were like an explosion in your mouth – everything was fresh and carefully cooked and presented.

For the main I opted for the Mhoo Kratiem (Pork) stir-fried with garlic-pepper served with cucumber, tomatoes, and coriander. The pork was lovely and tender and the aroma from my plate was divine.

My fiancé chose the Gang Kiew Wan Gai (chicken) green curry with bamboo shoots and aubergines flavoured with sweet basil and coconut milk.

Both dishes served up generous portions of meat and all the ingredients were fresh, flavoursome and packed a punch, just hitting the right note.

Three side dishes were served up to share including Phad Phak Choy (stir-fried phak-choy with garlic in oyster sauce), Phad Thai Gai (stir-fried Thai noodles with chicken, bean sprouts and sweet turnips), and Khao Suay (aromatic steamed Thai jasmine rice).

After freshening up with hot napkins, a choice of tea or coffee was served – we both enjoyed a rich yet smooth cup of delicious fresh coffee.

To complement our meal we selected a bottle of Las Condes Merlot, Chile – a delicious soft rounded red with hits of ripe red berries (£16.95). Iced water with lemon was also topped up along the way.

We left feeling well fed – our taste buds had certainly been led on a journey of gastronomic discovery.

The restaurant will be holding Thai New Year celebrations on Friday April 13. Enjoy a celebratory lunch or dinner, or a three course meal for two at £25 per person.

• Tiien Thai Restaurant & Lounge Bar is located at 105 St Michael's Road, (off West Cliff Road), Bournemouth BH2 5DU. To make a reservation telephone 01202 299412. Open seven days a week. Takeway is also available.