When the Buddha Bar opens in Dubai in 2005, the city was totally different.
Options were limited, the population was only a fraction of what it is today, and only a small handful of international names had washed up on Dubai's shores.
Today, the Buddha Bar still welcomes guests in its impressive Grosvenor House on the edge of the Dubai Marina.
In this article, I take you to this mythical place.
Buddha Bar in Dubai: article summary
A unique decor in Dubai
Entering the looming three-height restaurant is an experience in itself: the large bay window framed by crimson-red curtains allows customers to admire the pretty setting of Dubai MarinaA DJ in the foreground is already spinning lively, but not intrusive, tunes right in the middle of the restaurant, a huge gold Buddha takes centre stage.
If you arrive in the early evening, around 7 p.m. mid-week, you'll enjoy a quiet but busy place. These are often gathered at the long, curving bar that runs along almost an entire wall, supported by large golden dragons.
An Asian menu like you've never tasted before
Buddha Bar filled its menu with Asian dishes, and although many have since followed suit, it remains one of the most impressive menus in town. First of all, I recommend you start with the sushi, accompanied by a plate of sea bass and salmon sashimi.
If you're still hungry, you can try the fresh avocado and spicy maguro maki rolls. These are a real treat for the taste buds. You can accompany them with a tasty chicken salad and spicy tuna tartare.
Hot South Asian appetizers
For hot starters, spring rolls with fresh vegetables are best-sellers, as are crispy fried calamari, which you will enthusiastically dip into a sweet tamarind sauce.
Don't know what to order? Singaporean chili shrimp is a warming bowl of juicy tiger shrimp cooked in an aromatic chili sambal and flavored with hints of ginger, garlic and coriander.
I also recommend turn to wok-fried Cantonese beef. This one has a unique glaze that makes you feel like you're eating a piece of barbecue. A delight for the taste buds.
Desserts to suit all tastes
Desserts are the perfect excuse to visit Dubai's Buddha Bar. These are served spectacularly on dry ice. Here, you can enjoy perfectly spherical mochi balls, a softer chocolate fondant or mango pudding with tangy yuzu curd.
Once you've finished your dessert, you can enjoy the bar or let loose on the dance floor.
How to get to Dubai's Buddha Bar?
To get there, borrow the metro. The red line passes right by Dubai's Buddha Bar. To reach your destination, you'll need to stop at Sobha Realty station or Jumeirah Tower station.
You can also reach the venue by cab or your own car. Located on the Dubai marina, you'll find plenty of parking spaces at the hotel. Dubai Marina Mall.
What are the opening hours?
You can visit the Buddha Bar:
- From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday to Thursday
- From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday
- From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday
An evening at Buddha Bar is one you'll never forget. From laid-back music to a traditional Asian menu, the place has it all.
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