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We’re really getting a taste of the Iftar and Ghabga gourmet fare on offer around the kingdom as the Eating Out team share out the invitations and taste-testing assignments.
We’ve noticed a couple of unique changes in the cuisine choices during this particular holy month and have been equally impressed by the extra effort made by many of the restaurants when it comes to decoration and ambiance.
One outstanding example is the drape-flowing Baharat restaurant at Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre which continues to grow in popularity under the impressive hands of Executive Chef Andreas Gober.
A wise operator, he’s called upon Syrian Oriental Chef Raafat Nemeh to add his knowledge and experience to the mix to ensure an authentic and traditional buffet has all the flavours and textures, and more, of course.
The more, without question, is an exquisite selection of sushi as a starter alternative which simply feels and tastes like it belongs alongside a plate full of salad and an accompanying dollop of hummus, a joyful dip discovered during my first week in Bahrain and now a part of my regular diet. “There’s a real demand for healthy choices this season,” explained Chef Andreas, “and sushi has never been so popular.”
Check out the Sayadiyah Rice dish, a four-to-five-hour process of perfection cooked with fabulous fish stock before heavenly hammour is added. Chef Raafat’s touch was also clearly involved in the Arabic mixed grill, mighty meaty morsels oozing with flavour but the biggest surprise came when I opened up a large stainless steel dome and uncovered one of the most monstrous cooked cuts of lamb ever to lay in a bed of Arabic rice.
It was like some madcap scientist had crossed Lambo with Tyrannosaurus rex creating the biggest woolly beast I’ve seen since my days living in the Forest of Dean, an English backwater where weird creatures roam and (just as weird) locals have wild sheep grazing rights.
But this beast was actually all lamb, the slow-cooked variety which allowed tender slices to fall on to the plate. It tasted absolutely divine, particularly when mixed with a bowl of chili con carne. I jest you not, it makes for the perfect combination Tasty alternatives also include a Chicken Maklouba and a Vegetable Lasagne if you want to give the Shawarma Station a miss.
Iftar would not be complete without a sensational sweet selection.
Baharat’s desserts are always a treat and the Aysh el Sarayh was proving popular and also on display were Mangio Short Cake, Cherry Jalousie and a handsome Hazelnut Bare.
But this is Bahrain and we were here to taste the full flavour of the country … so let me present my Number One choice …. (drum roll please) … the Sticky Date Pudding.
Oh yes, what a perfect way to end a perfect meal. l enjoy an authentic Baharat Iftar buffet, with local favourites and fusions from the subcontinent and beyond, BD18++.
Children aged six to 12 dine at half price, served every day throughout the holy month from sunset to 8pm, plus a traditional Ghabga buffet from 9pm to 1am.
Call 171711441 to book a table.
