أصياخ (فرع الوادي) — Restaurant in Municipality of Al Shamal

My rating is based solely on the service. Because I didn't get to taste the food. Arrived exactly on the reservation time. I waited standing to the side of the host (so I can hear him if he called). Watched every one arriving after me get tables. I assumed because all the tables were for large groups (we are only two). I looked behind me and saw two tables for two available. When I spoke to the host about it, he immediately blamed it on my hearing saying that he was calling my name but didn't find me (mind you I was standing next to him). After more than 20 minutes standing and waiting... No big deal. We get a table, I scan the code, order the food. Normally, they bring the appetizers, drinks, spoons and forks shortly after. That did not happen. After 10 minutes or so, the plates arrive. But not the appetizers, we got the actual food first, two plates with rice and kabab, without spoons or forks to eat with. I asked the guy where are the silverware to eat (with a smile). He pointed to the opposite direction with his face. I don't know what that meant. We were sitting on the table, looking at each other, while everyone in the tables around us looking at us and wondering how we were gonna eat our food. One of the people sitting next to us looking at me and his face expressions are almost saying (do you want my spoon to eat with?).. Very embarrassing to say the least... I asked another waiter and waiterss if we can get forks and spoons (at this point we just wanna eat something, forget the appetizers). They looked at us, said ok, then, proceeded to clean up other tables of ppl that ate their food and left. I wait for a bit, boiling inside, embarrassed in front of my partner.. Then, I told my partner to stand up, I walked to one of the hosts (black mustache). I tell him what happened, very calmly, I point at our table, showing him two plates of kabab sitting alone looking sad without spoons or forks. But, Mr. Black mustache immediately started saying that I was to blame because I should have stood up and spoke to him directly, not to the 3 other waitress. I didn't know what to say to him, my whole life I thought that this is what waitr/ess are for, ask them for the food, not the host.... At this point, I've made my mind up and wanted my money back. Took them a while to give me my money back but I got it and left. To be fair the atmosphere was nice, and the food,,, I wasn't able to taste it to give my opinion. But the service I experienced is definitely s**. I don't want to make matters worse but that was in Ramadan during...

I recently visited Asyakh and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and richness of their food. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance felt warm and welcoming, setting the tone for what turned out to be a delicious experience.

One of the standout dishes for me was the hummus with caramelized onions. It had a creamy texture and the sweetness from the onions balanced the traditional tanginess of the hummus beautifully. Paired with fresh bread, it was the perfect start. The moutabbal was another highlight — smooth, smoky, and full of flavor. It’s clear they put care into preparing their appetizers, and each bite reflected that.

Moving on to the main courses, I tried the rayash laham (lamb chops) and awsal (skewered meat), along with their kabob served with yogurt. The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, grilled just right to retain the juiciness while giving it that perfect charred edge. The yogurt added a cooling element that elevated the kabob, making it both rich and refreshing at the same time. Everything was well-seasoned and portioned generously.

The service was courteous and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. While everything tasted excellent, I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 just because I believe there’s always a bit of room to push things to the next level — perhaps in terms of plating or adding a small unique twist to their already great menu.

Overall, Asyakh is definitely worth a visit for anyone who enjoys Middle Eastern cuisine with a refined touch. I’ll be coming back...

Tekka Tales at اصياخ

Stepping into the restaurant, I was on a mission: to experience authentic Bahraini tekka. And let me tell you, it delivered, but with a delightful, unexpected twist.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the tekka. The grilled meat, cooked to tender perfection, melted in my mouth. It was evident that quality cuts were used, and the grilling was expertly executed, achieving that beautiful smoky char. But what truly set it apart was the distinct sourness that permeated the marinade. It wasn't overpowering, but rather a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meat. I suspect a touch of lemon or perhaps sumac was at play, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile that lingered long after the last bite. It was a welcome departure from the typical, straightforward grilled meat experience.

The texture was spot-on. Each piece was consistently tender, showcasing a masterful understanding of grilling techniques. No chewy bits, just succulent, juicy meat. It was clear that the chef took pride in their craft.

The side dishes, while not as captivating as the tekka, were perfectly acceptable. They served their purpose as accompaniments, providing a balanced meal.

If you're looking for an authentic Bahraini tekka experience with a unique, tangy twist, the restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Be prepared for a delightful surprise, and don't be afraid to ask about the secret behind that delicious sourness. While the sides might be ordinary, the tekka alone is a compelling...