A fusion of flavours

Set in the backdrop of the shimmering and lively Juffair skyline, the K Hotel is celebrating its first Ramadan since its grand opening early this year.
 
The hotel has been laying out a fusion of some of the most popular cuisines on the island for guests looking to break their fast as well as for those wishing to experience some traditional Arabic hospitality.

Decorated in Ramadan splendour, the Klouds Restaurant, situated on the reception level, offers diners a plethora of treats – from scrumptious starters to delicious desserts.

The inviting ambience, with its subtle lighting and cozy seating arrangement, promised a pleasant evening ahead and my eyes were fixed on the impressive spread of delicacies.

The hotel’s marketing and communication manager, Cristalyn Pastrana, led us to our seats and I wasted no time checking out the buffet. There were so many dishes to choose from that I didn’t know where to start and allowed my instincts to lead me to the soup section.

This is how my tour panned out – beginning at the far end where you can savour Arabic lentil soup with vermicelli or choose from an array of starters including hot and cold mezzeh, tabouleh, sujok, mixed pakora, meat kebbe, mutabl and shakalish.

The buffet is perpetually packed with the items, ensuring there is something for everybody.

After making a request for vegetable spring rolls, Head Chef Mudiyanselage Jagath Nickson Jayasekara and his team had some freshly prepared and sent over in no more than 10 minutes.

Salads were aplenty but I walked straight over to the rich array of main course dishes which featured a variety of cuisines including Arabic, Mediterranean, Oriental and Indian. The spread featured both traditional Ramadan must-haves such as thareed (which is my personal Ramadan favourite with some white rice), machbous, chanad fry as well as the not-so-typical stir-fried vegetables, shrimp noodles, aloo gobi, chicken biryani and beef piccata milanese.

For those who would rather not waste time filling their stomachs with five courses, can delve into the rich ouzi – a Ramadan delicacy and one of Bahrain’s favourite rice and meat dishes.
 
There is also a bread and cheese section and a choice of chilled Ramadan drinks.

However, it is advised to keep some space for the desserts because the experience is not complete without indulging your sweet tooth. While I may have already mentioned a couple of ‘favourites’ in this list, I will not shy away from adding another.

The umm ali, a traditional Bahraini dessert made from milk, bread and biscuits was the best one I have had on this island – and being born and raised here, that has to mean a definite A-Star rating!

Also on the dessert list was the chocolate mousse which was so tasty I sat back with a grin on my face and thanked the good lord for the little joys in life.

The buffet is available daily from Iftar and costs BD9 plus 15 per cent service charge. The hotel is also offering a la carte Ghabga at its Terrazza Bistro from 8pm until 2am.

For reservations or more details, contact the hotel on 17360000.