Upon entering JW Marriott Kabuki, Japanese Restaurant in Phuket, or what we call “The Japanese Cuisine Theatre”. The environment is very tranquil and friendly. Surrounded by cozy places to lounge next to soothing bodies of water.

Walking into the restaurant, I was greeted with the biggest of smiles and warmest welcomes. I felt very relaxed and comfortable. As you enter the Kabuki restaurant there is an amazing presentation of food, chefs and servers. If you weren’t hungry before you walked in, you will be after gazing upon this beautiful arrangement of delicious Japanese style food in Phuket.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Executive Chef at Kabuki Japanese Restaurant Phuket, Dietmar Spitzer. Chef Spitzer was kind enough to share his vision with me. He was very informative and insightful. I was impressed with his extensive culinary background, he’s been creating these magnificent dishes with JW Marriott for over six years and counting. His vision is to change the way people eat buffets, and I have to agree with him. In my opinion, Why eat the same ‘ol boring buffets when you can have something innovative and different? Something else that impressed me, is that the chef welcomes feedback. The reason Chef Spitzer listens to his clientele, is to use this feedback from real people as a means to create something more to the liking of what people are asking for. Pretty smart if you ask me! He encourages the chefs to experiment and create new dishes for the customers to try and get feedback. Which brings us to the most important part, the food! The buffets are set up in different styles of Japanese cuisine. There are five buffet stations, each with their own chef. The stations are: Sushi and Sashimi; Dessert and Sake; Beef, Chicken and Lamb; Seafood, and Noodles. It’s very entertaining to watch your food being prepared and you’re invited to take photos. First you tell the chef which items you’d like, then they cook it in front of you and served directly to you. Everything you see is like a theatrical presentation, it’s fun to experience here in Phuket. I was very impressed on the pace at which they cooked and served the food, keeping up with the flow of clients coming up to each station and filling their plates in a timely manner.

The variations of different styles of sushi were awesome! Not only did it look cool, it tasted amazing as well. I had never seen sushi decorated quite the way I saw it at Kabuki Restaurant (Mai Khao Beach, Phuket), it was really artistic. The beef was so juicy and tender, I didn’t even need a knife to cut it, it was so soft. But my absolute favorite was the salmon and prawns. I didn’t even use the sauces to eat the seafood, it was already flowing with flavor. I started recommending the seafood to others standing around the station. And after all the delicious main dishes, it was time to try the desserts. There was a wide assortment of different desserts both a mix of Western and Eastern Cuisine. I sampled as much of everything as I could. I was very surprised with the Tiramisu Fried Ice Cream. You’re probably thinking the same thing I was, “Fried Ice Cream?!” It’s true, they take the ice cream cover it with coconut, then some oil and dip it in hot oil. Amazingly enough, the ice cream just slightly melts enough to have a nice soft melting texture in your mouth. A really “magical” experience as one guest put it. But my all time favorite at the dessert bar was the little fruit filled marshmallow pieces dipped in the most delicious rich chocolate fondue. I could’ve kept eating that chocolate fondue all afternoon it was so yummy. After eating at Kabuki at JW Marriott, Phuket, you can go for a relaxing swim in the beautiful pool or lay in a lounge chair beside the pool. Got kids? Don’t worry, there’s a place for them as well, in the Kids Center next to Kabuki Restaurant.

JW Marriott, Mai Khao Beach, has something for everyone. I highly recommend experiencing Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre. But don’t just take it from me, go there and see for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Written By Bodhi, E-Table Asia