Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant has opened up for the season for a limited time only, in this beautiful resort in Bluewaters. If you like your Thai food – and you’re looking for something new and something different down this end of town – head on over to Banyan Tree.

Here’s our experience, when we tried out Saffron with the family late October.

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The journey

As we exited the motorway towards Bluewaters – you could see the sun sitting low on the horizon. The sky was turning a reddish purple. Thirteen years in Dubai and the sunsets still take my breath away. We approached Banyan Tree and the kids got all excited. They love this hotel – having spent my eldest’ 9^th birthday over a staycation, back in May. This time we’re back to celebrate mummy’s birthday. Age, not disclosed.

Introducing, Saffron

A few family photos taken later, we approached Saffron – located right by the pool. There are lines of vintage Edison bulbs hanging over the tables, giving a soft warm glow. Each table, a lampshade placed strategically to give just enough lighting for that romantic feel.

We chose the largest table available – as we were there with the family, all three kids in tow. Too late now, can’t hide them somewhere. Glad we chose the earliest seating at 6:30pm and we were the only ones present for the first hour or so.

The Menu and our Experience

As with all asian dining – we chose a few dishes to share. Started off with some marinated wagyu beef striploin, tossed with thai celery and herb dressing (95 AED), and pomelo salad with tiger prawns (90 AED).

There’s just something about Thai cooking, or South East Asian cooking in general that works for us. It’s the spices. For the pomelo salad – we’re talking toasted coconut, roasted peanuts, and the magic sauce – the Thai nam yum dressing. It’s a combination of Thai chillies, fish sauce, lime juice and palm sugar – often mixed with garlic and cilantro. It’s sour and spicy, and so appetising.

We requested for crispy vegetable spring rolls (65 AED) – which I was surprised to see – called Pho Pia in Thai, as this was the same way we call it back in Malaysia. My dad would have loved the one at Saffron. Crispy on the outside, and so juicy inside – with thinly sliced mushrooms, white cabbage and coriander. This goes best with Thai sweet chilli sauce, and Saffron have provided it – proper-style, with mango sauce. So good.

Onto mains – we went with the classic Pad Thai (160 AED) and a wok-fried minced Australian beef tenderloin (175 AED). Happy with my pad thai – and that they have gotten it just right with the level of salt and not overcooked the bean sprouts.

To end, we ordered the Sangkaya Sam Road, three creme brulees made with Thai-flavours : Pandan, Thai Tea and Saffron. Love it when asian restaurants create their own desserts and this did not disappoint. Of course we couldn’t leave without trying Saffron’s traditional sticky rice with mango. Another generous dish – and do save your appetite for this. Pssst. Both desserts are so well-priced at 55 AED for each!

See Saffron’s Menu

The Kids Menu

If you’re taking the family over – and the kids are not to keen on Thai food, don’t worry – they can order from Alizee’s Kids Menu. They have all the usual favourites like pasta, pizza, chicken nuggets and fries. You can also ask them for some colouring (pictured below).

Overall Thoughts

Personally – save Saffron for a romantic date night or evening out with friends – especially if enjoy Thai cuisine. If you have well-behaved kids that can talk softly – by all means, bring them along. Saffron is open throughout the winter months in Banyan Tree Dubai. Go, before the temperature goes up again 😉

Leaving you, with a little photo of the birthday cake. Thanks, Banyan Tree.

• Saffron @ Banyan Tree Dubai
• Opens Thursday to Sunday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm
• Call +971 4 556 6466
• Email guestservice-dubai@banyantree.com
• More details on banyantree.com

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Disclosure : Partner Content. We were guests of Banyan Tree to review Saffron with the family.