Golden Nights and Gourmet Delights at The Masaya Pavilion

Daily Tribune

12-03-2025

The Masaya Pavilion by stc, nestled within The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is an opulent tribute to Arabian grandeur. Its regal ambience is enriched with golden arches and deep purple hues, evoking a sense of royalty. Softly glowing lanterns cast a warm and inviting glow, setting the perfect mood for Ramadan evenings. But the true spectacle lies beyond the décor—the magnificent spread of international cuisine, brought to life with multiple live stations. These stations ensure each dish is served at its best quality, preserving its ideal temperature and texture—a hallmark of exceptional five-star dining.
As I wandered past the lavish buffet counters during iftar, I was captivated by the tempting aromas that filled the air, promising an enchanting culinary experience. The first dish to catch my eye was the muhammara, its rich orange-red hue standing out beautifully. This exquisite dip, crafted from walnuts, roasted red peppers, and pomegranate molasses, had a rustic texture and a delicate balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavours. Paired with smoky mutabbal and bread, it was a nourishing start to the evening.
Sushi lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with an array of freshly prepared sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls. I selected the shrimp tempura and California rolls, each bite delightfully fresh and perfectly complemented by a touch of wasabi and soy sauce.
This time, the dolmas were presented in a unique way—sliced into neat discs instead of traditional cylinders. This thoughtful plating allowed me to enjoy both varieties, grape leaf and eggplant-wrapped dolmas, without committing to a full portion. Their filling was tangy, flavourful, and satisfying.
The selection for the main course was nothing short of spectacular, offering a mix of local, regional, and international delicacies. The stir-fried noodles with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken stood out with their well-balanced Asian flavours. This year, a special highlight was the Indian-style masala kingfish, marinated in a fragrant blend of fresh coriander, chilli, and spices.
Though the buffet featured traditional Ramadan staples such as lamb ghoozi, harees, and madrouba, I was drawn to the grill station. I indulged in a generous selection of chunky fish tikka, succulent lamb chops, shish tawook, and malai chicken tikka. My favourite was the malai chicken tikka—each bite meltingly tender, infused with the delicate richness of yoghurt, cream, and mild spices.
For meat lovers, the carving station is a must-visit. Here, you will find a gourmet selection of wagyu beef, roasted lamb, and succulent roast chicken. A grilled hamour fillet, glistening invitingly, also caught my eye. As someone partial to chicken, I opted for the skin-on roast chicken with mushroom sauce, which was impeccably cooked—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The incredibly tender roasted lamb served with rich au jus was a comforting indulgence.
Then came the most awaited part—the desserts! Executive Pastry Chef, Devopriyo Gupta and his team, have orchestrated a spectacular dessert display that is nothing short of a sweet lover's paradise. A lavish selection of petite pastries, panna cotta, fudgy brownies, delicate cakes, and rich puddings awaits, alongside classic Indian mithai such as kaju katli and jalebis. Arabic delights such as mahalabia, um Ali, and qatayef add to the indulgence. The cheesecake, adorned with fresh berries, is a huge hit, disappearing quickly as diners rush for a slice.
Among my favorites was the mango sago pudding, bursting with the tropical touch of sweet mango and creamy coconut milk, and of course the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth halawet el jibn. But the hidden gem of the dessert spread is the croffle and crepe station, discreetly tucked behind the grand display.
You must try the croffle (a fusion of croissant and waffle) with toppings inspired by the famous Dubai chocolate. The warm, freshly prepared croffle generously topped with pistachio spread, butter-roasted kunafa, and a drizzle of Nutella is so tasty! The contrast of chewy yet slightly crisp croffle and the crunchy and buttery kunafa to the velvety smooth spreads was pure bliss. If you prefer, the same combination can be recreated as a crepe—equally divine, I would imagine.
As you savor this grand feast, live entertainment adds to the vibrant ambiance of ghabga, making the evening truly special. The pavilion also offers private seating for corporate events, large family gatherings, and special celebrations, ensuring a personalised and memorable experience.
The Masaya Pavilion at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is not just a place to dine—it is a culinary journey that celebrates tradition, flavours, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. It is an experience that lingers long after the final bite, a testament to fine hospitality and exquisite gastronomy.
Pricing information:
Iftar: BD 40 per person
Ghabga: BD 45 per person
For bookings, contact [phone] or email [e-mail].