Established in 1999, Ibiza has been blessed with Bambuddha and its majestic melding of Mediterranean and Asian flavours for over 25 years. That's a long time to be getting it so right that you are still considered one of the island's most praiseworthy dining experiences.
Bambuddha has been reborn over these years. In a past life, after dinner, you could dance until dawn in the ‘secret’ club. While this time may now only be regaled in tales of Ibiza gone by, that spirited energy still remains.
It is a striking setting. There's not an inch here that hasn’t been adorned or tended to in some way. Even the reception is more than just the courteous staff. Bubbling water features, grand stone plinths, and even gracious Buddha statues with their palms raised, all welcome you in.
Shielded by tall bamboo, the restaurant is set out across an open garden-like space, where pavilions, typical of Balinese balé architecture, are dotted throughout. The grand pavilion feels like a temple, where, under dazzling chandeliers, stone structures of Hindu deities gaze on without judgment as you devour each dish.
The menu, now with its trademarked name ‘MediterrAsian’, is filled with an incredible array of classic and twists on traditional Asian dishes, all of which cry out to be selected. Leaning into every corner of Asia, there’s little here you want to pass by.
Designed to be more of a sharing platter, the menu should only be adventured with those who are willing to share bowls and plates, and with whom you are comfortable enough to quickly grab the last DimSum before they do.
There's a mischievous nature to Bambuddha, an aura of naughtiness, and our first glance at the cocktail menu did more than allude to this.
Served in the beautiful lounge of the Tantra Bar and to the ambient sounds of the evening's DJ, we made our selections: Respect, Esoteric, Shamanic, and Passion.
The spicy ginger notes of the Respect were the perfect revitaliser after the creamy richness of the Esoteric. While the fruity Shamanic, in its pure non-alcoholic form, washed away any sins the Passion may have delivered whilst passing our lips.
This can be reported with personal knowledge. We knew our night would be a sharing experience, and it began immediately with eager sips from each other's glasses.
The restaurant expands from the central pavilion into the open-terrace restaurant; it’s large but also feels quite intimate. There’s a special atmosphere here that's hard to put your finger on.
Our table sat at the centre, was lit by a dazzling chandelier that hung directly above us. As we playfully span the spinning table of - what would soon be - sharing delights, the helpful and very attentive staff shared their suggestions for the evening before taking away our order, with a few personal additions that we simply couldn’t go without.
The beef gyoza was our first greeting. The delicious warm parcels offered a pleasing play between the rich Angus beef and sweet pineapple. Generous helpings of the salty, sour, sweet, and a little spicy nam prik marinade made this simple dish something else.
Delicately sliced, the yellowtail sashimi was light, fresh and beautifully simple. Tiny dollops of yuzu juice sat on top, which, with its interestingly sour yet slightly sweet taste, was the perfect accompaniment.
The Oriental ceviche was not only a visual delight but a taste sensation. The corvina, marinated in Peruvian aji and lime, still held its flavour, despite the vibrant and fresh sauce it swam within. Bright magenta pink, it was bursting with the sweet, fruity notes of both the dragon and passion fruit. The final kick was delivered by the fragrant lemongrass, which took this dish to a masterpiece level.
Served in buns as light as a feather, the Wagyu burgers could not be faulted. Small in stature but not in buttery, smooth and rich punch, they had us all cheering their name. A round two with them was highly considered.
As night fell, the dishes continued to flow, and the table continued to turn.
A melt-in-the-mouth slice of heaven. The miso black cod was soft, sweet, delicate and simply divine. On top, a caramelised glaze made with honey and light miso topped it off to perfection.
These were everything we expected and more. Not only was the plump, juicy, and crispy-edged duck, with crunchy leeks and cucumber and oozy, rich hoisin sauce, outstanding to eat, but also great fun to assemble.
All table manners went out the window here as we competed to see just how much you can cram into each soft pancake.
Just as much fun to eat, the Kowloon king crab was next. Napkins and knives at the ready, we delved in. Juicy and soft, we scooped out the delicately flavoured meat before smothering it in the creamy and slightly spiced toban-djan sauce.
As the energy in the restaurant turned up a notch, we settled in for our final course.
Delivering a level of sweetness that roused our now very full bellies, we all tucked in. Resembling a deconstructed banoffee pie, banana, coconut and huge helpings of cream jostled for space upon our spoons. The chocolate straws were a beautiful addition that lasted only seconds before magically disappearing into our mouths.
Alongside juicy and fresh pineapple chunks, more deliciously smooth ice cream, and goji berry flakes. This combination delivered a zing and a final palette cleanser, before we finally admitted defeat and retired for the evening.
Bambuddha is a magical experience, where spirituality and sensuality dance between the tables, while masterfully prepared dishes are served by attentive and knowledgeable staff.
Make your table reservation here.
