This week’s venture was a bit of an unusual affair, as the venue in question sells only one product – baked potatoes!   But do not laugh, because recently opened Master Kumpir located on the ground floor (basement) of the Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall, serves first class (in fact extremely delicious)  large Baked Potatoes from Chiang Mai, with a selection of super fillings.  Master Kumpir is a new Turkish ‘fast food’ company – Kumpir, by the way, means potato in Turkish – and this is their first branch in Thailand.   Over the next few years, Master Kumpir, which surely promises to be a great success story plans to open branches in Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai and Udon Thani.

The venue is quite small, with a limited seating area,  but they do offer take away service so one can enjoy one of these nutritious, filling and ‘fat free’ healthy spuds sitting in the mall during shopping or even waiting to see the latest blockbuster movie upstairs in the SF Cinema Complex.  The Thai staff is impeccable and offer excellent service.   All the Baked Potatoes are freshly baked in a traditional oven, (no microwave quick bake job here) and then the flesh is scooped out, then gently mashed with either Butter or Extra Virgin Oil, and returned to the Potato Skin to be topped with a choice of fillings. There are several set Baked Potato recipes to choose from ranging from 119 baht for a basic Kumpir Original, made up of Mashed Potato with Mozzarella Cheese and Butter or 169 baht for a Kumpir Master with Sauted Chicken, Coleslaw Salad, Olives, Cornichons (tiny Gherkins)  and Haydari (a thick tangy Yoghurt dip).  Other popular offerings are the Chili Con Carne (159 baht), the Kumpir Extravaganza (165 baht) with (Heinz) Baked Beans, Sauteed Sausages, Russian Salad, Cornichons and Jalapenos.   One can also make up your own combination with the likes of Mushrooms, Tuna, Olives Carrot, Sauteed Chicken, and Coleslaw from 10 baht a portion.  For 15 baht a portion one can chose Tuna Mayo, Chicken Curry, Cheddar or Philadelphia Cheeses, Smoked Sausages and Baked Beans.  For the extra hungry and a mere 20 baht a portion go for  Chili Con Carne, Tom Yum Khung (Prawns) or Sauteed Sausages.   We sampled the Kumpir Veggie (145 baht), a colourful and healthy concoction made up with Mushrooms, Olives, Cornichons and Red Cabbage.   This was followed by the Kumpir Mediterranean (155 baht) filled with Sauteed Chicken pieces, Russian Salad, Mushrooms, Haydari and Olives.  Finally, an extremely good tasting Chili Con Carne (159 baht) slightly spicy finely ground Beef – plus a tangy Cheddar Cheese and Jalapenos combo topping. Delicious!    There are a good selection of drinks available, including beer, but do try the freshly squeezed Lemonade or Orange Juice (both at 50 baht a glass) and an extremely refreshing and slightly salty tasting Ayran Turkish Yoghurt Drink (also 50 baht).  They also serve Tea (40 baht) and genuine Turkish Coffee at 50 baht a cup.  So, for a fast food healthy and filling treat get along to Master Kumpir at the Central Festival Pattaya Beach Mall and enjoy!   Open from 11am until 11pm. Telephone: 038 405 099 or 088 192 5718.