Monsoon

Where: Adliya
What: Asian
When: Lunch/Dinner

Why: Good Thai food AND Sushi+feels like you're in an oriental palace

Like a lost city in the midst of the busy, crowded Adliya streets, Monsoon looks and feels like a sanctuary. Also booked for private parties, I think Monsoon has one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in Bahrain (reminds me of Buddha Bar). Most of the tables are located on an elevated wooden platform surrounded by water. There are a couple of rooms for larger groups, a sushi bar, and if the weather permits, sit outside for an even more relaxing dining experience.

The menu is a bit overwhelming because you can select from Thai/Malaysian/Japanese/Vietnamese sections. The starters include chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, spicy papaya salad, shrimp toast, chicken/beef satay with peanut sauce, shrimp parcels.

Many of the main course dishes have a delicious coconut flavor, you can ask for mild or spicy. I would suggest the green curry with steamed rice. The maki rolls are excellent. Try Nela Maki, Spicy Tuna, Dragon Roll, Crunchy California, and Salmon rolls.

For dessert try the chocolate sticks with hazelnut ice cream or the sorbet with fresh fruits. The fried bananas with vanilla ice cream are alright. Too stuffed? You can skip dessert. The check is accompanied by mint chocolates, which I only started to like after Monsoon.

Unfortunately, didn’t do too well on the Unagi Test. But I forgive Monsoon because the maki rolls and Thai selections are delicious.

1st Pic Source: from hpeng’s photostream on flickr.com (November 10, 2007): http://www.flickr.com/photos/45747167@N00/1945602147/in/photostream/