Set sail on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia with Bushra Hakim as she dines at BO.SABI, located in The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.
Ever wish you could take a quick trip to the Far East without the long-haul flight? BO.SABI is your ticket to a whirlwind culinary adventure that will have you savouring flavours from Thailand, Malaysia and beyond – all without leaving Bahrain. Eager to try out some of the restaurant’s new dishes and signature options, my dining companions and I headed there this particular afternoon.
From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere sets the stage for a dining experience that’s as much about ambience as it is about flavour. The interiors are reminiscent of a beach club, with bamboo poles framing the space and lush greenery lending a touch of the tropics. Earthy wooden tones complement the soft ambient lighting of unique hanging lamps, creating a cosy, sophisticated vibe. The soft beats playing in the background add a touch of rhythm to the air, while a little stage near the prominent BO.SABI logo, hints at live performances that promise to elevate the journey even further.
We were warmly welcomed by the charming Marketing Manager, Zahra Ebrahim, and her enthusiastic team, who made us feel right at home. Seated at an elegantly arranged table with sleek black plates and polished chopsticks, we were offered cold towels infused with essential oils – a refreshing touch that instantly melted away the humidity of the day. It was the perfect start to an afternoon of culinary exploration.
Our first stop on this flavourful voyage was the Virgin Sangria, a vibrant and fizzy drink that woke up our taste buds like a splash in a cool pool. Bursting with fruity notes and just the right amount of sparkle, it set the stage for what was to come.
The Crispy Tuna Bonito Salad kicked things off with a bang – a delightful mix of fresh tuna, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes, all brought together by a zesty basil aioli. Every bite was like a burst of sunshine, transporting us straight to the coastline.
Next, we dove into the Oxtail Borscht, a unique blend of Asian and European influences. Rich, slow-cooked oxtail chunks in a tangy tomato broth, combined with mushrooms and pak choi, created a hearty, soul-warming soup that felt like a comforting hug in a bowl – great even during summer.
The starters were a carnival of indulgence. The Takoyaki – golden, crispy balls filled with shrimp and octopus – drizzled with truffle dressing and sprinkled with bonito flakes, were a delicious taste of the ocean. The Chicken Gyoza, with its crispy skin and juicy filling dipped in a spicy cherry hoisin sauce, was an absolute hit. But the showstopper was undoubtedly the Peking Duck. Thin, succulent slices of duck, crispy on the outside and soft within, paired with delicate pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber and leek, created a symphony of rich, sweet and savoury flavours that was wonderful for sharing and had us coming back for more.
For the main course, the Sizzling Sliced Lamb was a standout, with tender meat slices infused with smoky cumin and chilli. The sizzling sound, the aroma wafting up from the plate – it was a feast for the senses before we even took a bite. And the taste? An absolute delight, with each morsel bursting with deep, smoky flavours that left a pleasant tingle on the tongue.
The Beef with Black Bean Sauce brought us straight to the bustling kitchens of Singapore. Succulent beef slices stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a savoury, umami-rich black bean sauce. It was the kind of dish that’s perfect with a bowl of steamed rice, each bite balancing the meat with the freshness of the vegetables.
But the highlight of the evening was the Thai Chicken Green Curry. Smooth coconut milk, aromatic with lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves, enveloped pieces of chicken and fragrant basil. Comfort food at its finest – rich, creamy and mildly spicy. Served with jasmine rice, every spoonful was like a warm, soothing embrace of Thai hospitality.
The Lobster Chow Fun was pure indulgence. Sautéed local lobster, shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots tossed in a spicy XO sauce made each bite a luxurious treat, with the natural sweetness of the lobster perfectly complemented by the richness of XO.
For a taste of Malaysia, we tried the Char Kway Teow Beef – a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish with juicy beef, savoury sambal chilli paste and sweet kecap manis sauce (a sweetened soy sauce). Smoky, spicy and sweet all at once, it was like a culinary postcard from Penang’s vibrant street food scene. The noodles were perfectly chewy, the beef tender and appetising. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, dessert arrived, and we couldn’t resist.
The Thai Mango Sticky Rice was a simple yet satisfying treat – sweet mango slices with sticky rice drizzled with creamy coconut milk. It was like a tropical holiday on a plate. The Banana Fritters, golden and crunchy, served with vanilla ice cream, were a playful mix of hot and cold, crunchy and creamy. And the Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter was the ideal light, refreshing end to our culinary journey.
If you’re looking to satisfy your wanderlust and your taste buds, BO.SABI is your destination. Every dish is an adventure, each flavour a discovery. So, pack your appetite and hop on the Orient Express – no passport required! Happy taste bud travel and even happier feasting!
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call BO.SABI at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel,
Residence & Spa on 1753 1666.
@bo.sabi.bh
@diplomatradissonblu