That’s using your noodle

When I heard that Bahraini company Delightful Foods had teamed up with the UAE-based Jumeirah Restaurants to open three ‘noodle house’ concept restaurants across the kingdom, I couldn’t wait to indulge in an endless loop of one of my favourite foods.

The first outlet recently opened in the new extension of Seef Mall, expanding the restaurant’s presence now to eight countries.

The pain it takes to create a tasty dish was clearly evident. The noodles were tortured, ripped and flung through the air in clear sight in the open-plan kitchen – but their suffering was worth it as it was all in the name of authentic South East Asian cuisine.

Sous Chef Narulhafizin Bin Mohammed Osman, 37, hails from Malaysia, and boasts 21 years of experience. The culinary maestro recently moved to Bahrain from Ireland, where he worked as a chef in a leading hotel for 10 years.

He said: “Cooking is my passion. It may be typical Asian food but it has a twist to it. I believe food lovers in Bahrain will really enjoy it. The most popular dish is the duck, which is excellent, but after trying everything on the menu, I personally love the pad thai (stir fried noodles) and I would definitely recommend the dish.”

I was first introduced to the brand in Dubai a couple of years ago and marked it as a ‘must go again’ place to visit. I was delighted to find out that not only does the Bahrain outlet offer the same menu, but the meals are also available at the same affordable prices.

The fare features a mixture from China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. But, you won’t get your typical chili beef here – the range focuses on tingling the taste-buds with a selection of unique dishes, with a hefty helping of noodles too.

Imaginative dishes, which are ordered by checking off selections on paper menu pads, include various vegetarian options, wet and wok fried noodles, dim sum and specialties such as black pepper beef tenderloin, nasi goreng, thai chicken with cashew nuts, and the house favourite, the roasted duck.

However, although the mains were delicious, the small plate of wasabi prawns as an appetiser stood out head and shoulders above anything I’ve eaten in years. The burning sensation left my mouth watering for more.

Don’t expect to see Chinese ornaments hanging from the walls and classic instrumental music as you enter.

The neutral palette and dark varnished wood in the dining area provides a contemporary feeling. Although modern and polished, the restaurant renders a welcoming atmosphere and warmed me up as soon as I walked in.

From the minimalistic décor and meticulously prepared food, the noodle house is a slick operation.

The noodle house is the flagship restaurant of Jumeirah Restaurants which was lauched in 2002 and now has 16 outlets in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Cyprus, and Pakistan and expanding with agreements across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Delightful Foods is a joint venture between Jasmi’s Corporation and Divine Foods, established in 2012. Jasmi’s has 21 outlets and is renowned in Bahrain for its reputation in the eating-out market. The company is also the licensee for Tony Roma’s and operates seven additional self-developed brands, such as Le Chocolat, Jasmi’s Coffee, Dajajio Chicken, Wood and Bella Napoli pizzeria. Jasmi’s is recognised amongst quick service restaurants and holds a significant share in the food service retail segment in Bahrain.

David Duncombe, Jasmi’s operations manager, said: “Jumeirah Restaurants just celebrated its 10th anniversary in Dubai for the noodle house, so I think it’s a logical process to expand throughout the GCC and the rest of the world. This is the first branch in Bahrain, but another one will be opening in Enma Mall in Riffa and a third will also be opening shortly after, but the location hasn’t been decided.

“The concept is very distinctive. There is a big range of items and I believe the noodle house is uniquely different.

“Everything provided in Bahrain is the same as it is in the UAE and the noodle house restaurant outlets around the world, even down to the kitchen plan, will remain exactly to specification!

“We are currently open from 4pm onwards, but eventually we will also open for lunch and offer home delivery.”

For more information, call 17666353.