The Royal Budha in Dubai is an award-winning Thai restaurant which is conveniently placed at the heart of the Al Barsha Holiday Inn. Interiors, as you might expect, are a regal tapestry of golden paraphernalia and dark, rich woods. Seating is generously spaced in the large restaurant space, while the room itself is comfortable without becoming vast and impersonal. Tables are dressed with ruby red napkins and glowing table candles for a warm ambiance that makes the perfect backdrop to all kinds of meals – from large gatherings of friends and family parties to intimate dinners for two and romantic dates.
Ingredients at The Royal Budha are a combination of authentic Thai staples and fresh local produce, which combine to make carefully balanced plates of food. To start, you’ll find all kinds of classics on the appetisers section of the menu; things like minced prawn cakes with plum sauce and grilled chicken satay skewers marinated with turmeric, lemongrass and peanut sauce. For main courses there are plenty of options to suit all kinds of tastes – choose between steamed, wok fried and curry dishes as well as having the option to pick specialities from North Eastern Thailand – a region revered for its cooking. Our pick? The spicy clear beef curry with Thai chapoo leaf, aubergines, cabbage, dill, spring onion and basil – a truly mesmerising combination. Aside from slightly more unusual serves such as this there are crowd-pleasers like Thai prawn Panang curry and a signature Phad Thai dish which combines noodles in that moreish sweet and sour tamarind sauce with chicken or prawns, fried tofu, egg, bean sprouts, spring onions and peanuts.
If there’s room for pudding following your mains then don’t skip out on the sticky rice pudding. This coconutty delight is served with sweet mango that cuts through the richness of the rice perfectly.