FACT’s Sara Waddah and co unwind and kick-back at the island’s funkiest new hotspot, located at The Diplomat Radisson Blu, Hotel, Residence & Spa.

Sabi translates to things whose beauty stems from age, so when we heard that BO.SABI was opening at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, we made it a FACT (pun intended) that we were some of the first to experience the wholesome Asian-fusion cuisine that has been modernised to just the right degree.

Accessed from the hotel’s welcoming lobby, BO.SABI’s friendly and inviting front entrance had us keen on seeing more. With bamboo-focused decor and a bohemian vibe, the interestingly decorated restaurant was absolutely stunning – expanding to an outdoor terrace that faces a picturesque view of the pool and palm trees. This witty new location gave off all the right energy from first sight!

With the wooden walls decorated with striking pop-art posters giving it a very vibrant personality, we opted to dine right opposite the beautiful wall-fountain – the ultimate Feng Shui – where we were also able to enjoy getting plenty of sunlight from the long glass windows that surround the entire restaurant.

Already infatuated by the welcoming staff, as well as their eagerness to tell us all about their authentic dishes and the stories behind them, we were beyond ready to enjoy this unique dining experience as the afternoon rolled on.

Diving headfirst into the aromatic scents that began to engulf my senses, the Laksa soup came out to shake off any other competition in my books! Beautifully prepared with a big show of the lobster tail, what a flavorful way to start this journey, and the staff made it a point to let me know we weren’t even close to the end!

Crab Meat Salads are always tricky, but when prepared by the kitchen at BO.SABI, we were surprised to notice the freshness as well as the fine way that the crab was prepared; paired with a spicy lime sauce that surely gave it that extra ‘kick’ and served alongside a juicy green papaya Som Tum Salad (with just enough Thai chilli dressing that it was enjoyable), I knew that the surprises were going to just keep coming…

The stars of the show really stood out for me – and that’s not forgetting the incredible tower of sushi that we very quickly consumed. It’s highly recommended as an excellent choice for a party of five that have great taste buds and even greater chopstick skills.

Every single dish was thoroughly examined, enjoyed and devoured, but trying the Seafood Yaki Udon Noodles, it felt as if time had stopped. It was somewhat of perfection. Wok-fried with ginger, garlic, bell peppers, unagi, seaweed and topped with bonito flakes, the chef seriously nailed the perfect combination of flavours for this special dish. One that will sincerely leave your heart, soul and stomach satisfied. Incredible.

Dipping our toes a little into the Teppanyakis before our appetites couldn’t consume any more, the black cod Gindara, served with special Japanese ingredients and the showstopper miso sauce, was truly an enjoyable delicacy. Prepared to perfection and instantly melting in your mouth, not only could you tell the freshness of the fish, but also the love and attention that was put into bringing the dish together.

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Alongside the ice-cold sips that we enjoyed as we watched the afternoon sunset from the cool indoors seating area, this new place-to-be in the Kingdom genuinely oozed vibrance with its funky take on pan-Asian cuisines in a sophisticated setting! We can’t wait to go back. ✤

GO: CALL 1753 1666 FOR MORE INFORMATION. OPEN DAILY FROM MIDDAY ONWARDS.