BAB's Brunch: Where the sea meets the sizzle

Times of Oman

20-05-2025

Muscat: There's a fresh reason to savour weekends in Muscat — and it comes with sea views, live grills, and a seafood spread fit for Oman. As Shangri-La Muscat celebrates 20 years of heartfelt hospitality in Oman this year, the iconic resort has unveiled 'BAB's Brunch' at Bait Al Bahr, turning Saturday afternoons into a celebration of flavour, rhythm, and relaxation.
The newly launched brunch promises more than just a meal —it's a three-hour escape into the world of coastal luxury and culinary theatre.
A feast by the waves
Few dining experiences match the charm of being seaside, where time slows down and every bite is savoured to the sound of crashing waves. At Shangri-La's Bait Al Bahr, that charm takes on new life with fresh lobster on the grill, platters brimming with seafood, and a breeze that carries both salt and sizzle.
I arrived just past noon, the sun glinting off the waters of Barr Al Jissah, and found myself stepping into a seaside sanctuary where brunch isn't just a meal — it's a celebration of coastal living, Omani flavours, and effortless elegance.
'As Shangri-La celebrates its 20 years in Oman, and Bait Al Bahr being at the heart of the local community, we wanted to have an experience where families and friends alike can join Shangri-La for laid-back Saturday afternoons — plus get free access for pool and beach on us,' Sabrina Sobrayen, Director of Marketing and Communications, Shangri-La Al Husn, Muscat, told Times of Oman.
Shades of the sea on a platter
Bait Al Bahr — aptly named the 'House of the Sea' — has long been known for its shoreside seafood dining, with fresh catches and traditional Omani recipes at its core. For the first time, this beloved dinner venue has opened its doors during the day to host brunch lovers every Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Set in a temperature-controlled indoor space overlooking the water, BAB's Brunch is served family-style, with platters of shared appetisers arriving first — think marinated seafood, zesty salads, and fragrant mezze. It's a laid-back start, perfect for sipping something chilled while gazing out at the endless blue.
Freshest catch
Then comes the action. From a display of the day's catch — lobster, king prawns, octopus, and seasonal fish — the chefs work their magic at live cooking stations, grilling everything to order. I watched as flames kissed a butter-brushed lobster tail, its scent mingling with rosemary and garlic.
Beef tenderloin, lamb chops, and juicy chicken also sizzled nearby, adding to the theatre of the afternoon.
This isn't buffet-style chaos — it's curated, served directly to your table in courses that allow you to savour each bite. The service is seamless, yet warm and unhurried, in true Shangri-La fashion.
The dessert selection is a coastal delight in itself. Apple and rhubarb crumble competes with creamy panna cotta, while passionfruit cheesecake and chocolate mud cake offer a rich finish. Don't miss the cherry ginger crème brûlée or the made-to-order crêpes and pancakes—simple pleasures, done exquisitely well.
Sips and serenity
With brunch priced at OMR30 net per person — including free-flow beverages and access to the resort's beach and pool — this is more than a meal. It's a weekend ritual waiting to be discovered. The vibe is relaxed, with live entertainment gently adding rhythm to the waves outside. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to the good life, BAB's Brunch makes for an easy favourite.
At its heart, BAB's Brunch is about more than food. It's about pausing the week, connecting with the sea, and being immersed in a setting that's as indulgent as it is inviting. With Shangri-La Muscat marking two decades in Oman, this brunch feels like a fitting tribute to its legacy—fresh, refined, and full of flavour.