Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

I came to eat the Solo Thali at Riwaz with my siblings today. The experience was quite enjoyable. The restaurant's ambience was just right, and it wasn't overly crowded, which I preferred. Both Triyana (our server) and Chef Mukesh served us our food. Additional thanks to Chef Munish for asking us how our food was, and Chef Vikram in the back for his part in food prep. They were very polite and professional. Triyana also gave an introduction to the different dishes, which was a nice touch. I especially liked pairing the paneer kurchan with the zattar paratha. The sauce was mild and creamy with a pleasant piquancy from the bell peppers. However, my favourite standalone dish might be the dahi lamb curry. The delicacy of its flavour is akin to a korma. Very fragrant. I enjoyed the kasriya pulao as well. The pops of pomegranate were refreshing amidst a rich meal; which I appreciated. Overall, the spice level was quite mild, which I believe would suit many international palates unused to hotter chillies. I'll also mention there's a 10-15 minute wait before the food's arrival. This meal is meant to be enjoyed slowly over relaxed chatter with friends or family, so if this isn't your kind of thing, please take note. I personally loved the experience, so no complaints on my end. 😄 Fyi, the Thali is a promotional set with 8 different things to try, so it's worth the treat. The other dishes included were a gulab jamon for dessert, a special murgh taribala (so far the spiciest dish, but not by very much), a tandoori salmon tikka and a tangy barrah kebab (yoghurt marinated lamb chop). I had a ginger masala tea as well. Not sweet despite adding sugar, and the ginger isn't overwhelming. It only comes through after a few sips and was very soothing for my stomach. Happy and satisfied customer here. I even forgot to take customary pictures of the food. 😅

I came here to attend the Brunei Economy Forum and stayed at Radisson for just 2 nights. When I arrived in the middle of the night, I was exhausted. The bed was so comfy, I slept like a baby. The hospitality here is superb! From the moment I entered the hotel's lobby to when I had breakfast and lunch at the hotel's restaurant, I was treated very well. If you ever get a chance to stay here, you will notice a beautiful gigantic oil painting of Brunei's famous mosque and Kampung Ayer by the artist Steve Mitchell. I took lots of pictures of the painting but forgot to take a selfie which you must do when you stay here. The hotel is right in front of one of the main roads. I was lucky enough to arrive on the second day of the Sultan of Brunei's birthday. I was informed that they will celebrate for two months, and one of the events was a food festival right across the road from the hotel, so I tried some of Brunei's local cuisines for dinner. I was only in Brunei for a short while, and I mostly stayed inside the hotel 85% of the time to attend the Forum. I am taking this opportunity to thank everyone at the hotel including those working at the reception counter mainly Adib and Amalina because I had too many questions to ask; they entertained me with enthusiasm and not forgetting great patience. When I went to the airport using one of the hotel's transport, Adib was even kind enough to give me a quick tour of the city (Bandar Seri Bengawan) with his storytelling, Brunei's history and all. I must come back! I do want to share that Radisson Hotel is saving the environment in so many ways which is another reason why you must stay here if you visit Brunei.

Service is outstanding, and breakfast is excellent (thanks to Ms Rachel Arlyn and her team!). Location of hotel provides easy walking distance to the center of town and the waterfront. The room was fine, but the AC while good, is loud and runs constantly. The TV is an older model so the image isn't sharp. Also there is a motion sensor light in the doorless closet which causes the closet light to go on whenever someone gets up in the middle of the night.