Flavourful fusion offerings

Lanterns Lounge and Restaurant in Adliya is offering diners a tempting way to break their fast this Ramadan with a fantastic fusion of fare that is guaranteed to add some spice to the holy month.

The Iftar buffet, priced at BD6.900 net for adults and BD3.900 for children up to five years, combines traditional Ramadan staples with Indian delights that are as delicious, authentic and no-nonsense as I have ever come across.

For that BD6.900, you don’t just get a meal, you get an experience in Indian hospitality that will stay with you long after you leave.

The venue itself is nestled neatly in Adliya’s dining district but from the moment you walk through the door, it’s easy to forget that. Traditional décor and friendly smiles were the first thing I noticed, followed closely by an inviting aroma wafting through the air, seducing my nostrils and taste buds.

Acting manager Johnson, led me to my table, presented me with some dates and gave me a rundown on what was on the menu.

“There are a variety of dishes. We have salad, hummus, mutable, tabbouleh, samosas, chicken wings, and that’s just to start with,” he said.

Main courses include a selection of curries including chicken, lamb, prawns, fish, as well as three different vegetable curries.

There are even Chinese items such as stir-fry, cooked up in front of you by the kitchen team.

Mr Johnson said: “We have traditional Ramadan food but we also have our own offerings which range from spicy to non-spicy to cater to everybody’s palate.

“Our Iftar buffet has been very popular, we’ve been full most nights with customers from many different nationalities and I think the reason, besides the food, is that we just want customers to be happy and enjoy their time here.

“Lanterns has been in Bahrain for years and it’s a brand people know and trust. The taste of our food doesn’t change, we have built a reputation for quality.”

One of my favourite things about this place is the napkins, yes, the napkins. I’ve been fortunate enough to dine in some swanky restaurants in my time, the kind with crisp, snowwhite cotton serviettes that have a higher thread count than my bedding.

 Lanterns is, thankfully, far less pretentious and provides a napkin in the form of a bib, yes, a bib. It prevents clumsy people like me from ruining a white shirt while indulging in some pani puri. Bibs were an ideal option when I was a baby, and the fundamentals never change.

 I began my meal with a trip to the salad bar and piled a small plate with cucumber, carrot and sweet corn alongside a hefty helping of hummus. The salad was crunchy and fresh and proved a winning combination with the hummus.

No sooner had I finished my starter, a surprise made its way to the table. A tandoori chicken grill, compliments of the kitchen team. Not only did it arrive hot and smelling delicious, it tasted as good as it looked, juicy and tender.

Next up, I made my way to the curry station. I’m no stranger to a good curry, besides growing up eating it in London (it is England’s national favourite dish), my beloved Auntie Annie happens to be from India, which means I’m not shy around spice.

The helpful staff guided me through each dish, advising me which was mild and which had a little kick. I think they were a little taken aback when I asked for the spicy option.

The Lamb Rogan Josh was amazing, it had some spice but it wasn’t the kind that is overbearing and makes you think you’ve been hit by Mace. It tantalised my taste buds and opened my sinuses, a welcome break from the man cold I’ve been suffering. The Prawn curry was another thing worth bragging about. It was so rich and flavourful I kept a small bowl by the side of my poppadums and took tastes between other dishes.

There is a selection of rice and a variety of breads included in the buffet, but my advice is try not to fill up on them or you may miss out on something magical.

Just when I was sure I couldn’t take another bite, Johnson convinced me to have a look at the desserts. Ok mate, you win!

I’m glad he talked me around because I discovered they had my favourite Indian sweet, Gulab Jamun. Even saying the words makes my eyes glaze and my mouth water.

I have eaten this dish in many a restaurant across the island and the standard has been set pretty high. Putting my scepticism aside, I closed my eyes and took a spoonful of the hot, syrupy dessert with a bit of ice cream and … we have a new champion. Best Gulab Jamun in the kingdom and you can quote me on it.

If you haven’t already been to this restaurant, you’re in for a delightful time. Good food, good service and great value for money, that’s a tough act to beat.

For details, or to make a reservation, call 17250999 or 17246777.