Background:
Smoking Doll, the new direction of Asian Fusion Dining in UAE, focusing on Thai and Japanese food, brings the Far East to the Middle East. Thai food is famous for its intense and aromatic elements, the perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty and spicy seduces you with its complexity and keeps you coming back to taste its vast array of flavors, textures, and fragrances.
The food is complemented by a vast selection of Asian teas and cocktails, made with passion and respect by tea masters and mixologists.
Food Rundown:
Gyow Gai i-e chicken, sweet corn dumplings were yummy however I felt that little chili would make it even better. The vegetable spring roll was crispy and fresh, and so are the Thai crackers. We also tried their Chef’s special i-e Sweet Chicken wings, it was crunchy and sweet, presentation was lovely. This category kept on changing on a regular basis.
From Maki; their classic Sushi Rolls we tried The doll roll, it was dainty with Tempura prawn unagi, wasabi mayo & cucumber. Ocean Deep Roll from the new offerings is a must-try as well. 3rd one we sampled was a Smoking doll, which was another delicious version with smoked mayonnaise the presentation adds to the flavor where they brought this dish to us with a closed glass lid full of smokes and giving out classic aroma and taste to this maki. We simply couldn’t resist the quality cuisine presented on beautiful flatware.
Their Bangkok style Tom yum soup was so traditional which I love about this. They did refuse Asia in a very authentic manner in a variety of dishes, and this hot and sour soup is one example. The bowl was rich in flavor oozing out lemongrass aroma, and lime leaves concoctions. You can choose the base to be dumplings, prawn, chicken or firm tofu, spring onion & mushrooms mixture.
The salad we tasted was spicy green papaya salad I did miss out on my citrussy dressing here as they served the same with sweet chili sauce. It looks fresh though but lacking whole roasted peanuts in the topping.
The pad thai noodles were surely the dinner’s highlight with Wok-fried rice noodles, I love the combination of bean sprouts, chives, shallots, peanuts tad bit of tamarind and lime for that addictive taste and we requested to add chicken along. It was one of the best pad thai version we have tried in the Capital. You can share your preference to go with the spicy or non-spicy style.
On Restaurant Server’s choice, we ordered Red Thai Curry, and I believe that was the best decision. This bamboo shoot inclusive, red chili and sweet basil leaves based curry so scrumptious and simply perfect in consistency. We opted for seasonal vegetable version and were super amazed by the taste and look both!
Any foodie affair at an Asian eatery is incomplete without wok fried dish, and here we opted for a classic known combo the Chicken and cashew nut stir-fry with spring onion. Chinese broccoli and red onion added to the zing and flavor while we love the fact that light soy was not overly used and overall the dish was giving out perfect taste and fumes when it arrived at the table.
We tried Vegetable fried rice in a side dish to accompany the meal, and it was well prepared and presented with crushed peanuts aside.
Dessert was famous Mango Sticky Rice with coconut cream, very mild and light. Also their signature cocktails The Gentleman was our favorite with Thai Basil and lychee caviar, every sip was hell refreshing. Purple Haze was ok as it was missing something sago pearls were not adding any charm in taste. Another tea cocktail we tried was very nice i-e Thai Iced Tea, brewed to perfection and topped with shaken milk and tapioca pearls this one is just perfect for those not fond of sweet smoothies and beverages.
MahiBlog Verdict:
“Nice ambiance and superior food taste with a definite WOW factor at Smoking Doll. In my opinion, it is one of the best Fusion Restaurants in Abu Dhabi.”
Ambiance & Staff:
All in all, we had a very tranquil family time over luscious Asian Fused cuisine. The furnishings are very pleasant with elegant yet modern interiors inspired by origami and ancient hand fans. Staff too courteous and attentive. We requested food to arrive in certain flow, and they made sure it was done. I felt the environment very relaxed & casual due to staff efficiency and atmosphere combined, yet efficient and very personalized to make you feel welcomed.
General Impression:
Either Thai curry or wok-fried and even sushi experience were appetizing; all were fresh. They have a Good offer for kids to eat free on Wednesdays. I would recommend Smoking Doll and will come back for sure as great experience at a reasonable price for this location.
Essentials:
Since 8th of March is International Women’s Day, why would not you take it as a reason to enjoy dinner at Smoking Doll? They are offering 50% off for all ladies on 8th March, from 3-8pm. To book a table, please call us at 600 560 603