Overall Rating
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9.5 / 10
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The very Asian in me at times rings the bell and craves for some fun filled and authentic delicacies. According to me, Far Eastern cuisine which includes the famous Chinese and Thai cuisine is simply the best. The main reason for this is the twist in flavors and the surprises each dish has.
Recently, I was invited by the Blue Elephant team to taste and discover the vibrant dishes they offered. Blue elephant, as family specializes in authentic Thai cuisine for over 30 years now. They are located in 7 countries, out of which the Dubai outlet is located and owned by Al Bustan Rotana in Garhoud. Well, the brand does not just confine to fine dine restaurants but also offers various product line of packed food items. These include Thai Curry paste, wok, curry sauces, appetizers, dips and dressing and much more. However, these are not available in Dubai, so the best option is to dine in and indulge in the lavish spread to taste the flavors. The added advantage is that, the recipes are obviously fresher compared to the packed ones and does not require ones effort. The Rotana group is well known in the hospitality industry for the exquisite service they provide. Similarly, the service and customer attention given at Blue elephant is also with the same standard. Rotana group is also known in our local markets as a brand that is actively responsible for communicating Emirati culture and tradition to the guests. Despite the number of years in service and catering, Blue Elephant has not failed even a bit to impress me. Starting from the interiors and fit out, to the well-organized tables and decors and lastly, to the menu and yummy food! Every aspect of the outlet is exceptionally interesting. The indoor “Oasis” concept is something unique offering guests a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The inbuilt waterfall with lush green indoor plants and the wooden bridge across the canal with fiber glass roofing emitting natural light during the day time was an experience to remember. The fit out also consisted of roof tiled village huts with private seating areas. Many experts in the fit out sector have commented that the outlet has a 'quirky' and 'eccentric' fit and approach. It is a very opposite approach as compared to a conventional diner. |
To start off the exotic experience at Blue Elephant, I was served fresh pineapple juice to sooth my thirst. The waiter then handed me the well-bound menu with each dish listed briefly with the ingredients and price under separate headings.
Following for starters, from a section of yummy listed options I ordered for a variety of authentic Asian platters. The spread consisted of Chicken and Beef Satay, Dim Sums, and Crispy Paper Prawns. The satay was a traditional preparation of mild hot flavor marinated boneless pieces, grilled to tender perfection and served on skewers. The grilled satay platters came with a peanut sauce dip and pickled vegetables. Each plate of Chicken and Beef Satay was priced AED 45.
The Dim Sums are always tiny parcels with wonderful flavors of meat and seafood; I chose to try the prawns dim sums. These were served in cute little steamer baskets. Each platter (AED 45) consisted of two mini baskets with 2-3 dim sums each served with sweet soya sauce and fried garlic.
The crispy paper prawns were the most delicious farm picked prawns. It had lemon and herb seasoning, and was rolled in thin crispy pastry sheet. The deep fried crispy paper prawns was served with sweet and sour chilli sauce. The presentation was simple; the prawns were placed on a bed of dried rice noodles. This platter was priced AED 45.
For main course, I ordered the emblematic Phad Thai (AED 45), with sweet and sour prawns (AED 130) as the side. The Phad Thai, one of the most complex and ideal Thai style stir-fried noodles was prepared with the absolute flavours and ingredients. The Thai rice noodles were stirred and combined with the right amount of Prawns Phad thai sauce, crushed peanuts and tamarind dressing. The relishing taste of Phad Thai was garnished with more crushed peanuts, a lime wedge and some chopped coriander leaves.
Since, the waiter mentioned Phad Thai goes best with seafood sides like crab, and prawns. I ordered for a portion of sweet and sour Prawns to compliment the noodles. The sautéed briny jumbo prawns in the gravy were tender and crunchy with yummy flavors. The gravy was plated in a fish shaped plate with appealing vibrant colors to the eyes. The colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, white onions and corn were sautéed in the sweet and sour sauce preparation. The vegetables retained its crunch and crisp nature.Although, the sweet and sour gravy was prepared with rich thai taste I chose to enjoy the Phad thai all by itself.
Desserts; as usual and was the main highlight of my tasting like always. I ordered the caramelized coconut flan topped with almonds (AED 30), and a warm chocolate tart topped with caramelized ginger with vanilla ice cream(AED 40). My personal favourite from the two was the gooey caramelized coconut flan. #HighlyRecommended ! I really enjoyed the layers of sweet caramel over the baked creamy flan with coconut flavors.
The warm chocolate tart topped with caramelized ginger was not one of the best I’ve eaten so far but a good try at Blue Elephant. The dessert was supposed to be served warm with gooey chocolate but the unsweetened chocolate was firmly filled in the crispy tart base. The tart texture was perfectly baked with the apt crunch and thickness. It was served along with vanilla ice cream.
To end the meal, I ordered for a fruit punch from the drinks menu. This was a blend of tropical fruits garnished with a slice of pineapple and a Rotana group stirrer.
Definitely heading back to try the Mega Night buffet served on Tuesday and Thursday.
Definitely heading back to try the Mega Night buffet served on Tuesday and Thursday.