SimplyAbuDhabi IX

A fter our marvelous dinner at Scott’s, we decided to try something a bit more exotic for our palette. We decided to check out Sontaya, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s new up-market restaurant for South East Asian cuisine. Devised of floating pavilions overlooking the beach and onto the turquoise Arabian Gulf, Sontaya is a breathtaking sight. We arrived around sunset and were immediately greeted by the restaurant’s friendly staff who led us to our table. The restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable vibe – one that makes you feel as if you’re far away from the bustle of the nearby cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. At first glance, it is certainly one where one can go to retreat, relax and rejuvenate amidst a quiet and tranquil ambiance. As the waiter set down our menus, he explained that the restaurant provides dishes that are primarily Thai and Indonesian. We perused what appeared to be a wonderful selection of enticing salads and seafood. We soon opted for our appetizers: a delicious platter including crispy fried spring rolls, savoury thod mun pla fish patties and roasted scallops with a delicious five spice pumpkin purée. The dishes were deliciously fresh and succulent and served in the right portions. On to the main course, Jordana chose a delicious steamed sea bass that was soft, bone-free and accompanied by lime for a fresh taste. We noticed that Omani lobster seemed to be on the menu in a variety of different options. I chose a large portion with a creamy and tangy tamarind reduction. Deliciously rich, the sauce paired perfectly with the large shellfish. Our side dishes included morning glory – a South East Asian green often called water spinach, which is wilted and then