A Thai roast dinner @ Bamboo Sky, Bourn

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As part of my quest to find the best and most interesting roast dinners in Cambridgeshire , I was invited to try a Sunday roast that I thought would never happen – a Thai roast dinner!

It hasn’t been long since my last visit, but Bamboo Sky is such a beautiful venue with such a unique style, I am always happy to return to give this unusual concept a go.

Please read my last review of Bamboo Sky to see their regular Thai menu. 

Stylish yet traditional

Walking back into the reimagined Willow Tree, you are immediately reminded why this place is so unique. The restaurant pulls off a clever trick of being contemporary and traditional at the same time, giving it a feel that is both stylish and familiar.

While some might miss the historic charm of the old English pub, those traditional interiors can sometimes feel a bit dark and closed in. Bamboo Sky has gone in a completely different direction; the light blue and white interior gives the whole space an open, airy feel that is both relaxing and refreshing.

We were lucky enough to be seated right next to the open fire, which added a very welcome layer of cosines to our experience. On a chilly Sunday afternoon, there really is no better place to be. Keeping the fireplace also allowed the restaurant to pull off a clever trick of being contemporary and traditional at the same time.

The Menu

The Sunday Roast menu offers two courses for £29 or three for £35. It is only available on select Sundays by reservation, which means you will have to keep your eyes peeled to catch it…for now. I was also pleased to see they’ve kept their “Little Boo’s” menu for the under 12’s (£15 for 2 courses), making it a great spot for a family outing.

One thing I really have to give them credit for is their commitment to dietary requirements. Finding a proper roast that caters so well to gluten-free diners can be a nightmare but Bamboo Sky goes the extra mile with every roast option is gluten free.

Starters

We kicked things off with Thai Prawn Crackers that were just as I remembered – thick with a robust flavour that is world’s apart from the light, airy versions you get elsewhere. We also had the ever popular Salted Edamame Beans, which are always a winner.

The Thai Style Chicken Wings were juicy, meaty, and delicious, but lacked the definitive Thai flavour that I was expecting. Despite this, I couldn’t deny they were excellent chicken wings in their own right and I would definitely recommend giving them a go.

The Steaming Pork & Prawn Dim Sum were beautifully presented and well executed. You get four pieces that are crispy with a bold flavour. I couldn’t help but feel that the portion was a little small but they tasted divine.

Mains

Predictably, I went for the Rump Roast. I was considering changing it up but was pulled back by the fact that the beef is sourced from Suffolk and butchered at the local butcher down the road. I was looking forward to seeing how this traceability and commitment to local sourcing would translate on my plate.

When it arrived, I was met with what must have been the tallest roast dinner I have ever had. It came stacked upright with all the trimmings; crisp roast potatoes, seasonal greens, carrots, broccoli, and a large Yorkshire pudding. The beef was clearly high-quality and so tender that I could pull it apart with my fork. It tasted absolutely fantastic and the gravy portion was quite good too.

Thai roast 🇹🇭

If you are wondering what the Thai take on a Sunday roast is at Bamboo Sky, it is quite simply a sizzling plate of honey red pork served with the usual trimmings. Unlike the roast at the Taj Tandoori, where every bit is deconstructed and remade with an Indian twist, this one is much more straightforward.

If you have read my previous reviews, you will know I am a massive fan of their honey glazed red pork. Seeing it brought out kicking and screaming on a hot plate never gets old. The sweet glaze against the tender, vivid red skin of the pork is a stunning sight and it works surprisingly well alongside roasties and veg. The pork tastes sublime and was impossible tender, and because they are less ambitious with the experimentation here, it is a lot more accessible. It means you can give it a go without worrying about spoiling your Sunday dinner if it isn’t for you – though you will likely be safe with this one.

Desserts

To finish, we delved into the dessert menu. The selection was filled with the common classics, but interestingly, everything was gluten-free other than the cheesecake. We picked the Bamboo Crumble and custard along with the sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream, which were both worthy executions of these familiar dishes.

Conclusion

My family and I had an absolutely wonderful time at Bamboo Sky. They have managed to take the traditional Sunday roast and give it a vibrant, exciting makeover without losing what makes a roast dinner great. It isn’t a total revolution or a complete remake of the classic, but rather an interesting twist that will get you out of that roastie rut and jazz up your Sunday afternoon.

​The attention to detail, the wonderful staff, and the magical setting of the venue make it a standout choice in Cambridgeshire. If you are looking for something a bit different for your next Sunday outing, get a table booked for their next session—you won’t regret it.

​Thanks for reading!

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