Fast facts

Restaurant name: Blu Bam Boo Fusion Kitchen

Address: Bassonia Shopping Centre, Soetdoring Avenue and Camaro Street, Johannesburg South

Phone number: 010 157 4256

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm

Average price main course: R280

Corkage fee: R100

Parking: Free and secure parking

Food type: Asian inspired

Food

Nestled in the heart of Bassonia, Blu Bam Boo offers a journey through the diverse and vibrant flavours of Asia. The menu is a testament to the richness of Asian cuisine, featuring delicacies from countries like Japan, China and Thailand. It seems like each dish is crafted with precision and care, with ingredients that showcase the essence of Asia’s culinary traditions.

 

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No Asian dining experience would be complete without sampling the sushi selection, from classic rolls like tofu California and new-style prawn nigiri to the absolutely delectable spicy tuna nigiri with charred tuna topped with a creamy spicy mayo and fresh caviar, a simple dish that offers a burst of different flavours that just work. The sticky spicy chicken mini bao buns are absolutely divine and airy, filled with Gochujang deboned chicken thighs that are still crispy, with spicy cabbage, Japanese mayo and sesame seeds. You can’t help but go “mmm mmm” with every bite.

 

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Moving on to the main course, our friendly waiter, Smart Sibanda, recommended the slow-roasted miso pork with burnt sesame butter mash that is to die for. He also recommended the pork dumpling ramen from the noodle section and the sweet chilli cashew rice from the bowls section. But for those craving a bit of heat, the vegetarian green curry bowl is creamy, smooth and flavourful. It leaves a lasting impression.

The sweet offerings at Blu Bam Boo are not to be missed. Indulge in the ginger crème brûlée or the flourless almond choc torte served with frozen ube cream for a perfect balance of flavours, just to name a few.

 

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Drinks

Blu Bam Boo’s bar presents a diverse selection of local red and white wines, including Prosecco and Cap Classique. Additionally, guests can indulge in delicious mocktails and cocktails such as the spiced Hennessy with notes of spicy mango, ginger ale and lime juice, or the adventurous Cosmo Jager. For families visiting with children, there are plenty of soft drink and warm beverage options available as well.

 

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Service

In addition to the food, Blu Bam Boo also boasts impeccable service; the waiters are friendly and well informed. It takes them seconds to notice and greet you. The atmosphere is welcoming.

 

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Ambience

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an ambience that effortlessly blends modern elegance with traditional charm. The restaurant is well lit with a beautiful, blue and bamboo interior. The pièce de rèsistance is the big beautiful cherry blossom tree in the middle of the room that’s hard not to admire. The beautiful glass walls give you hill views of Joburg South. The music is soft and upbeat, mixed with sizzling sounds from the open-plan kitchen.

 

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Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.