IT’S hard to believe Buddha-Bar Dubai has been bringing its classy culinary good times to the city for 20 years.
Yet, after seeing many other F&B names arrive and depart, this enduring hospitality haven is not only still here, it is entering a bright new era as a cherished player on the Dubai food scene.
Yet, after seeing many other F&B names arrive and depart, this enduring hospitality haven is not only still here, it is entering a bright new era as a cherished player on the Dubai food scene.
This includes applying its trademark eclectic ambience to a stylish new night and a vivacious revived Saturday brunch. MustDoDubai went for a look ... and enjoyed fabulous feed with vivacious vibes.
BY Dubai restaurant standards the Buddha-Bar falls into the vintage category.
But with maturity comes wisdom and respect; even if this Marina maiden doesn’t show her age - or necessarily act it.
There are very good reasons why Buddha-Bar Dubai - an outpost of the Paris original established in 1996 - has stood the test of time. Except it’s not so much standing as delivering a rejuvenated winning formula with swagger and panache.
But with maturity comes wisdom and respect; even if this Marina maiden doesn’t show her age - or necessarily act it.
There are very good reasons why Buddha-Bar Dubai - an outpost of the Paris original established in 1996 - has stood the test of time. Except it’s not so much standing as delivering a rejuvenated winning formula with swagger and panache.
DECADENT DECOR: Every inch of Buddha-Bar Dubai glows with authentic oriental style to set the scene day or night
May saw it launch Sakura’s Secret as“the first expression of Buddha-Bar Dubai’s dramatic brand evolution”. But more on that later.
Recent Saturdays have witnessed the relaunch of the waterside venue’s renowned brunch fixture - a decadent meets playful blend of music, mixology, and culinary artistry.
With newly appointed Executive Chef Ted Shin in action, guests indulge in a pciture-perfect sharing selection of Pan-Asian delights, beginning with two cold starters befitting both setting and the weather.
Zesty seafood ceviche is enlightened by jalapeño soy and shiso powder, while a Yasai kale salad with Stracciatella Yasi dressing delivers as both fresh and healthy.
Recent Saturdays have witnessed the relaunch of the waterside venue’s renowned brunch fixture - a decadent meets playful blend of music, mixology, and culinary artistry.
With newly appointed Executive Chef Ted Shin in action, guests indulge in a pciture-perfect sharing selection of Pan-Asian delights, beginning with two cold starters befitting both setting and the weather.
Zesty seafood ceviche is enlightened by jalapeño soy and shiso powder, while a Yasai kale salad with Stracciatella Yasi dressing delivers as both fresh and healthy.
MAKI MY DAY: Sushi and salmon tacos are among the starting treats that arrive with a flourish and a bit of theatre
Together they are the perfect opener for a sushi platter that perhaps majors a tad too much on the salmon, but lands with theatrical presentation.
Leading the charge, spicy salmon maki gets a further lift from its chilli dip, while salmon nigiri takes on fancier form thanks to yuzu kosho mayo. The truffle mayo could overpower the tuna nigiri, but instead empowers the fish.
Moreish salmon tacos with avocado butter and California maki with spicy peanut mayo arguably win the round, however. So far, so tempting.
Hot starters star generously filled juicy chicken gyoza with chilli ponzu, but leading the brace is tender wagyu kushiyaki, this perfect protein taken to another level by a splash of galbi sauce.
WOK THIS WAY: The dishes keep landing, including these tasty wok-fried noodles to balance out the meaty arrivals
And that tees things up nicely for a quartet of ‘mains’ goodies. Grilled striploin picks up the beef baton, here served with delicate ancho soy and broccolini for some greens relief.
A bit of main course sweetness comes via baked teriyaki salmon and the Sichuan honey glaze that embellishes decent slices of slow-cooked duck. Some good wok-fried noodles complete the savoury set.
Vegetarians need not fear. Here there’s an indulgent sharing opportunity with menu highlights including yasai maki with tofu mayo, watermelon carpaccio with spicy ponzu, green papaya salad, truffle vegetable dumplings, sweet and sour mushroom, grilled Portobello with ancho chilli, plus wok-fried ramen.
What both menus have in common is the Seventh Heaven Buddha-Bar dessert platter.
A bit of main course sweetness comes via baked teriyaki salmon and the Sichuan honey glaze that embellishes decent slices of slow-cooked duck. Some good wok-fried noodles complete the savoury set.
Vegetarians need not fear. Here there’s an indulgent sharing opportunity with menu highlights including yasai maki with tofu mayo, watermelon carpaccio with spicy ponzu, green papaya salad, truffle vegetable dumplings, sweet and sour mushroom, grilled Portobello with ancho chilli, plus wok-fried ramen.
What both menus have in common is the Seventh Heaven Buddha-Bar dessert platter.
SAVOURY GOODNESS: Top drawer gyoza and beautiful beef deliver contrast and finesse during this brunch journey
Delivered with steaming dramatic flourish, you’re treated to a gorgeous - but mercifully not over-the-top - mix that includes an apple-shaped mousse, churros, and a chocolate mousse cake for just the right amount of sweet indulgence.
Of course, all this can be thirsty work so there are four packages available, one of which draws on Buddha-Bar’s flair for eclectic mixology, inspired by Asia’s incredibly diverse flavours of Asia.
For brunch, those bartenders deliver a zesty Maha Bodi, an action-packed Far East Julep, a classic Espresso Noir Martini, and a tequila-fuelled Zen Paloma. There’s the ideally named Blooming Paradise for the mocktail inclined.
Adding to these ‘sensory adventures’, the elegant and enhanced surroundings are embellished with uplifting tunes via a resident DJ, and live entertainment from an accompanied violinist and percussionist.
Of course, all this can be thirsty work so there are four packages available, one of which draws on Buddha-Bar’s flair for eclectic mixology, inspired by Asia’s incredibly diverse flavours of Asia.
For brunch, those bartenders deliver a zesty Maha Bodi, an action-packed Far East Julep, a classic Espresso Noir Martini, and a tequila-fuelled Zen Paloma. There’s the ideally named Blooming Paradise for the mocktail inclined.
Adding to these ‘sensory adventures’, the elegant and enhanced surroundings are embellished with uplifting tunes via a resident DJ, and live entertainment from an accompanied violinist and percussionist.
CLOSING ACT: The Seventh Heaven Buddha-Bar dessert platter ticks lots of boxes, including the steamy delivery
“For two decades, Buddha-Bar Dubai has enchanted residents and visitors with haute Asian-inspired gastronomy, world-class mixology, and an unparalleled ambience,” says Pam Wilby, General Manager at Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, in which the venue is based.
“Innovation is in our nature, and curating unmissable experiences is how we’ve built the renowned reputation we enjoy today.”
This includes Sakura’s Secret, an evening affair that arguably takes its cue from Dubai’s growing appetite for dinner experiences.
It weaves together an “immersive ambience and mesmerising music to captivating visuals and intriguing performances”, underpinned by Buddha-Bar’s signature cuisine. The evening “blossoms organically” around guests as they dine, says the venue.
“Innovation is in our nature, and curating unmissable experiences is how we’ve built the renowned reputation we enjoy today.”
This includes Sakura’s Secret, an evening affair that arguably takes its cue from Dubai’s growing appetite for dinner experiences.
It weaves together an “immersive ambience and mesmerising music to captivating visuals and intriguing performances”, underpinned by Buddha-Bar’s signature cuisine. The evening “blossoms organically” around guests as they dine, says the venue.
ORIENT YOURSELF: There's no mistaking the theme in one of the venue's more intimate socialising zones
“It’s a living, breathing odyssey with something to impress every sense, and creating the perfect setting for the night’s riveting last act.” That act being the Tokyo 2000s After-Party, taking place at Tanoshi Bar and Lounge with its combination of sultry lighting, rich velvets and deep textures.
“It’s with iconic experiences like this that Buddha-Bar Dubai has risen to success,” says Buddha-Bar Dubai’s General Manager, Fabrizio Bosco. “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Dubai, we’re thrilled to give guests a greater taste of our signature creativity.”
The brand spans 25-plus destinations across the world - and Dubai is ensuring it remains a very relevant part of that in a city where concepts swiftly can come and go.
“It’s with iconic experiences like this that Buddha-Bar Dubai has risen to success,” says Buddha-Bar Dubai’s General Manager, Fabrizio Bosco. “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in Dubai, we’re thrilled to give guests a greater taste of our signature creativity.”
The brand spans 25-plus destinations across the world - and Dubai is ensuring it remains a very relevant part of that in a city where concepts swiftly can come and go.
DINE BY DESIGN: Buddha-Bar Dubai has a selection of areas for groups to choose from for all occasions
This next chapter coincides with an enhancement revealing an alluring new aesthetic that fuses traditional Japanese elegance with Tokyo glam. That also includes more ways to gather, such as new communal tables in the Sodo Bar.
DETAILS:
HOSTED every Saturday, 1pm - 4pm. AED450 per person including soft beverages, AED550 per person including hops and grape, AED650 per person including premium beverages, AED750 including Champagne
SAKURA’S Secret happens from Tuesdays to Sundays every week.
TO secure a table for either, visit buddhabar-dubai.com
DETAILS:
HOSTED every Saturday, 1pm - 4pm. AED450 per person including soft beverages, AED550 per person including hops and grape, AED650 per person including premium beverages, AED750 including Champagne
SAKURA’S Secret happens from Tuesdays to Sundays every week.
TO secure a table for either, visit buddhabar-dubai.com
