Buddha-Bar is a global institution with legendary status. From Paris, to London, to Dubai, it needs no introduction.
Until recently, the Buddha-Bar Beach venues were seasonal events that popped up for the warmer months on the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, as well as in Baku and the Maldives. But Abu Dhabi is lucky enough to have the first year-round version.
Looking over the beautiful shores of Saadiyat Island, it’s certainly found an appropriate home. From walking up the palm-tree lined pathway, to being greeted by the hostesses in matching blue maxi dresses, to the details such as crystal glasses and floating candles, immersing yourself in this incredibly cool world is thrilling.
The menu is Asian-influenced, and each dish has something a bit special about it. There’s sushi, cerviche, soups, salads and a modest, but clearly very carefully selected, list of mains.
Eventually we settle on the lobster dumplings and fried calamari to start with. The dumplings come with a delicate covering of tom yum cream sauce and salad garnish. It’s rich but not too much. The calamari is crispy, moreish and comes with a delicious lemon yoghurt dip. For a place that the cynical might describe as ‘fancying itself’, the portions are generous.
The mains are possibly even better. The Thai red curry comes with a thick and creamy coconut sauce, huge tiger prawns and delicious fresh veggies. The wok chicken kung pao is the perfect mix of spicy and sweet, while the cashew nuts and elaborate salad add some extra crunch.
It’s all so flavoursome, expertly produced and immaculately presented.
Head here on your next special occasion. Or, you could just start thinking of excuses to treat yourself.
The bill (for two)
1 x fried calamari Dhs55
1 x lobster dumpling Dhs85
1 x Thai red curry Dhs115
1 x wok kung pao Dhs95
1 x sparkling water Dhs40
Total (incl. all fees and taxes) Dhs390
The bottom line
Definitely lives up to the hype.
