The burning question on our minds lately: What makes a restaurant iconic? Could it be one dish that crowns any given establishment with this lasting depiction, a restaurant’s location, or maybe its customer retention rate, perhaps? We found our answer at Radisson Blu Hotel, aboard the majestic Al Boom Dhow, where steak and seafood are not mere offerings, but rather a masterful symphony of flavors that pay homage to the region’s flavors while celebrating the finest quality meats on this side of the Gulf.
You are immersed in Kuwait’s seafaring history from the moment your eyes set eyes on the stunning dhow. Built in Calicut, India in 1979, the Al Boom Restaurant is set upon an exact replica of the wooden dhows which sailed the azure waters of the Arabian Sea until the start of the twentieth century.
It was the year 1980 and as if choreographed by destiny itself, the majestic vessel docked in Kuwait’s harbor, perfectly timed to coincide with the grand unveiling of the Radisson Blu Hotel. Just two years later, in 1982, the enchanting Al Boom Restaurant opened its doors, like an opulent treasure chest awaiting discovery. With an ambiance woven from the finest threads of wooden grandeur and adorned with hints of burnished copper, it offers a maritime tapestry that dances with individuality. Across the passage of time, Al Boom has onboarded and delighted a procession of luminaries – from dignified sheiks to eminent presidents and venerable senators. And for those of us who grew up in Kuwait, a visit to Al Boom Restaurant for special occasions makes for a lasting imprint. This is why, for newcomers and locals alike, a visit to this regal haven of fine dining and an illustrious legacy of upscale hospitality is an experience that is absolutely not to be missed.
Embark on an epicurean odyssey across the globe with a menu spearheaded by Chef Mehmet that reads like a passport to culinary brilliance. We appreciated the menu’s smart balance between classic flavors, so you get exactly what you expect from a traditional steak and seafood restaurant, while also cleverly weaving in regional flavors into specific plates to tantalize the palate. With flavors inspired by the palates of India, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, the menu at Al Boom Restaurant celebrates the finest fare in seafood and steak. For meat connoisseurs, a divine ensemble of succulence awaits, featuring prime cuts of Certified Angus Beef and the velvety opulence of Australian Wagyu, a carnivore’s reverie carved into reality. Dive into the maritime splendor of the seafood section, where shrimp, lobster, and a captivating cast of oceanic delights take center stage. Each of these gastronomic gems is meticulously curated, where the skillful chefs of Radisson Blu Hotel weave their culinary enchantment, bestowing upon us a feast like no other.
For our visit, Chef Mehmet literally pulled out all the stops. Celebrating the classic Lobster Bisque, we dove our spoons into a tantalizing display of delicate Lobster pieces swimming in the most delicious broth. We appreciated how the broth didn’t overpower the beautiful pieces of Omani Lobster flesh, and noticed slight hints of spice in the coconut cream-based Bisque.
For our appetizers, the culinary foray began with a dazzling performance by the delectable applewood Smoked Burrata salad, de-cloched to reveal a bed of heirloom tomatoes, herb salsa, and a deeply flavored aged balsamic reduction. Paying homage to the sea, we enjoyed the Fried Calamari with lemon Aioli and olive tapenade, perfect accompaniments to this delicacy. We also sampled Al Boom’s Courgette Fritters, which pack a flavorful punch when dipped into the Cilantro sauce, and we couldn’t help but feel transported to the busy streets of Mumbai with this Indian street-food-inspired appetizer.
But it’s not a Steak experience without indulging in some beefy delights before your mains arrive. Our palates traveled to the depths of the American South with the Barbecue Short-Rib Flatbread with Sour Cream and Shredded Cheddar! Thick tears of barbecue short rib are stripped and generously scattered over a bread base that can only be described as having a texture that brings pure comfort to the soul. The fresh arugula and pickled red onions add depth of flavor to a satisfying offering, so delightful in fact that you could consider this particular flatbread as its own pizza-like main. With other famously delicious flatbreads stalwart classics on the Al Boom menu, these flatbreads could be a theme night of their own. From BBQ flatbread to the Short Rib Croquettes with Chipotle BBQ Mayo, we appreciated Chef Mehmet’s playful tribute to American BBQ, all aboard the traditional Al Boom.
It was time for the piece de resistance, and nothing speaks more truthfully to an establishment that prides itself on steak than an expertly prepared Chateaubriand. Chef Mehmet doesn’t shy away here, for he performs the ceremonial carving of the Certified Angus eye of the tenderloin at our table. Chef Mehmet also doesn’t shy away from butter; the Chateaubriand glistens as it is carved. The steaks basted in the juices before being plated atop an unassuming artistic plate-smear of béarnaise that hides a tang that sharply cuts through the rich, deliciously infused tarragon herb and cream sauce. The side of mashed potatoes has been spared no indulgence either and the dishes feel luxuriously rich in flavor because of it. To cut through the richness of the beef and sauce, we appreciated the smokey char on the fresh Broccolini and Asparagus sides.
Our feast continues as we dove into our seafood entrees. We absolutely fell in love with the Homemade Spaghetti adorned with tender lobster meat. This culinary masterpiece is lovingly cradled in a velvety embrace of creamy tomato sauce, a marriage of textures and flavors that dances gracefully upon the palate. Our journey across the seas continued with the sensory journey that is the Seabass in Papillotte, a symphony of subtlety and artistry. This regal fish is ensconced within the heart of a clay oven, where it bakes to perfection. Accompanied by the vibrant companionship of sun-kissed tomatoes and the delicate whisper of spring onions, each bite unveils a harmonious concerto of taste, a testament to the finesse of culinary craftsmanship of the Chefs at Al Boom Steak and Seafood Restaurant.
Just when we thought we couldn’t indulge any further, a dazzling display of desserts arrived at our table. From the Real Profiterole, pillowy light and crispy Choux pastry filled with aromatic vanilla ice cream and velvety hot chocolate sauce, the Saffron-infused and Pistachio-laden hearty Um Ali to the vibrant Vanilla cream Brulee enlivened by a zesty orange tuile, our hearts and souls were full.
Al Boom marks an iconic celebration of accomplishment, life, and culinary enchantment. We enjoyed every moment of dining aboard the majestic Dhow, and with the winter season soon upon us, on-deck outdoor dining will be available soon!
Al Boom Steak and Seafood Restaurant is located at the Radisson Blu Kuwait Hotel. For more information, please visit @alboom_kuwait and @radissonblukuwait on Instagram.
