Walking to the entrance of Bambuddha, one would be forgiven for thinking this was LA, with its glass sign trickling with water, majestic entrance and of course the sign for valet parking. It's good to see though that here in Ibiza it's done correctly. You get the great glamour and sparkle, without the Hollywood prices. That was just the first impression. Inside is where all the action is: much more for the eyes and rather breathtaking.
Nobody seems rushed, both customers and staff, and there is a quasi-spiritual thing going on here that seems to jump out at you from all angles; it's a fitting thing for an island that has a long-established association with the mystical. There are multiple Buddhas, some resplendently finished in gold, others in stone carrying font like bowls. Everywhere you look there is something to see, from the bright painting with a cheeky Mickey Mouse staring out at you to the long stems of bamboo wafting gently in the breeze to statuettes in the ceiling beams. Many people I know have had long-held ambitions to come here, including me, so here's the story.
Eclectic ‘MediterrAsian' food
Sipping a gin and tonic, one from a wide selection of gins in the gorgeous sweeping bar, I perused the menu as I waited for my party to arrive. There's some great Eastern orientated chill-out music wafting out from its own compilation, Bambuddha Groove, available for purchase from their gorgeous boutique. There are even sensuous sex toys on sale there – it's all quite multi-sensory. The cuisine is termed ‘MediterrAsian' and beautifully eclectic, combining a multitude of flavours.
The head chef is Catalan and has travelled all over Asia discovering different foods and is supported by a team of chefs from China and Latin America, all of whom add something authentic to this fusion food. Plates are for sharing and there are a few options for this, from two tasting menus, to sharing starter platters, one being vegetarian and then a selection of individual dishes. All is placed in the centre of the table so everyone gets to try a bit; large groups or just a romantic meal a deux would all enjoy this.
Starters that make you want an encore
So to the food: except for the starters, you will receive your dishes in no particular order as the dishes leave the kitchen. We were a biggish group of six so we went for the starter selection number 1, consisting of a sparkling spicy beef salad, tasty Iberico pork, scallop and pineapple filled gyoza dumplings, nicely flavoured Vietnamese crunchy chicken and superb baby French scallops flavoured with wasabi and yuzu. It was so delicious all of it that we couldn't wait for the encore.
And the return performance continued to surprise and delight. There were great murmurs of approval for the Massaman lamb curry with fine notes of cinnamon and star anise and meat so tender it must have been cooked in a pit oven for weeks. Then the tempered beef tataki for which we chose Wagyu beef, was like an extremely tasty mini roast beef with pickled cucumber and more of that lovely wasabi. Then more beef in the shape of a spicy, crunchy salad with a Thai dressing as well as some lime and chilli infused crab legs which got a few of our party in raptures over the flavour. Another salad came, made of seaweed with a kimchee dressing and was superbly done. If you think you don't like seaweed, this dish would turn you around.
Fantastic flavour fusions
And yes there's more, which is what happens with lots of sharing dishes. It's a great concept and it means you sample a massive variety of flavour fusions. The green papaya salad was excellent; it's a favourite of mine, and here full of flavour and fresh as a daisy in early spring. A standout dish was the coconut and lemongrass Tom Kha soup that you can choose to have with chicken, prawns or tofu. Any one of them would work, as the base is simply beautiful. Then some very nicely done sizzling tiger prawns completed the circle.
We did have a couple of clever desserts: ‘Dragon Ball' coconut ice-cream, walnuts and popcorn dust and a try-if-you-dare wasabi ice cream with a white chocolate cake. We all loved them. I know it sounds like a dizzying array of food, but trust me come here and it all makes sense and for an experience this one can easily top most.
Quick Facts
What? Bambuddha
Where? Carretera de San Juan, km 8.5, 07840
When? 7pm to 2am every day late March to mid-October
Why? It's a true Ibiza experience and the food is exceptional
Average spend per head? Around €85 for starters, mains, dessert and a glass of wine
Veggie Options? A few and some of the salads, soups and a curry dish are or can be made vegetarian
Disabled Facilities? Yes, disabled toilets are available
Top tips? Take time looking at the menu choices and if you have any queries dont hesitate to ask the attentive staff for help
Room for Improvement? Nothing is perfect, but this place almost could be
WORDS | Julian Heathcote
