By Ayman Anika
The idea of a live kitchen is gradually gaining popularity among Dhakaites. Yet you may ask: What makes a live kitchen so special? I would say, to find out why, visit the restaurant Bunka on the 13th floor of the Six Seasons Hotel in Gulshan.
Rest assured, Chef Mark Ed E Gallardo from the Philippines will make you fall in love with the experience a live kitchen offers, combining his culinary artistry with a charm that captivates as much as his food. Bunka offers an elevated Japanese culinary experience, with an emphasis on teppanyaki. I was excited to try the All You Can Order (AYCO) menu for the evening. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere set the tone – modern yet cozy, with a quiet buzz from fellow diners adding to the ambiance.
The Allure of the Teppanyaki Grill
The teppanyaki grill at Bunka is where the magic happens. Here, Chef Gallardo combines his expertise with showmanship, preparing each dish with precision and a flair that brings the meal to life. Diners can watch as fresh ingredients meet the sizzling grill, each sizzle, flip, and toss adding to the excitement. The chef’s expertise becomes clear as he engages with diners, sharing insights into each dish, explaining cooking techniques, and ensuring that each meal is tailored to individual preferences.
Bunka offers a variety of premium ingredients to please diverse tastes – for example, meat enthusiasts will relish options like the Premium Beef Tenderloin and Premium Beef Ribeye from the special teppanyaki menu. Each piece is carefully seasoned and cooked to achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor – capturing the essence of Japanese culinary techniques. For seafood lovers, the prawns, salmon fillet, and even lobster provide a luxurious taste of the ocean, prepared with a delicacy that preserves their natural flavors.
For those seeking variety, Bunka’s Combination Menu offers an ideal choice, allowing diners to enjoy multiple proteins in one meal. Options include combinations such as tenderloin, chicken, and prawn or tenderloin and salmon, each served with classic accompaniments like miso soup, salad, steamed or Japanese fried rice,
and dessert.
This variety ensures that each course builds upon the last, creating a dining experience that is as balanced as it is flavorful. And if you feel confused about which meal to pick, to make your choice easier the chef’s special signage has been added next to the dishes. In addition to the teppanyaki offerings, Bunka also serves a selection of sushi, bringing another layer of authentic Japanese flavors to the table. Whether you’re a fan of classic nigiri or enjoy adventurous rolls, the sushi selection is fresh, meticulously prepared, and beautifully presented.
A Sweet Ending
No meal is complete without dessert, and Bunka offers two interesting options on their AYCO menu – Nutella Bao and Molten Lava Cake. The bao is soft and warm, with a gooey Nutella filling that melts in your mouth, adding a sweet surprise to the end of the meal.
Another standout is the Molten Lava Cake, a rich, chocolatey indulgence with a molten centre that oozes out as soon as you cut into it, creating a decadent finale that chocolate lovers won’t want to miss.
Catering to All Palates and Preferences
While Bunka is celebrated for its teppanyaki meats and seafood, it doesn’t overlook vegetarian diners. Options like tofu and mixed vegetables bring a lighter yet flavorful twist to the menu, ensuring there is something for everyone. The vegetarian items are given the same meticulous care as the meat and seafood, proving that Bunka values inclusivity in its offerings.
A Setting Designed for Memorable Dining
Bunka’s atmosphere enhances the dining experience. The open-kitchen concept not only brings the cooking closer to the diners but also fosters a more intimate dining environment. Guests can feel the warmth from the grill, hear the subtle sounds of the cooking process, and smell the fragrant blend of ingredients before the first bite even reaches their plates.
For me, watching Chef Gallardo work on his grill was like witnessing a culinary performance where every movement had a purpose and every action led to a delicious outcome. And the restaurant’s décor, with its minimalist aesthetic, adds an element of tranquility, making Bunka an ideal choice for both casual outings and special occasions.
Special Offers to Enhance the Bunka Experience
Dining at Bunka is a treat in itself, but the restaurant sweetens the deal with attractive promotions. The Bunka B1G2 (Buy One Get Two) offer is a highlight and diners with selected bank cards can take advantage of the offer allowing guests to enjoy an exceptional lunch for Tk 7,499 or dinner for Tk 8,399.
This offer makes dining at Bunka not only a special experience but a more affordable one, allowing diners to sample a variety of items on the menu without stretching the budget.
Available from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM for lunch and 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM for dinner, this promotion encourages guests to explore the teppanyaki experience at a more accessible price. With this offer, diners can experience Bunka’s high-quality dishes in a complete meal package that includes everything from soup to dessert. For more information, you can visit: https://sixseasonshotel.com/
