It opened in 2018 and since then it has been a must-see for Asian flavors in Lisbon. Soão Taberna Asiática is led by chef João Francisco Duarte and sub-chef Buranet Pornthep and is an authentic journey through the flavors and textures of the East.
We are cordially welcomed by the manager Sérgio Galego who gives us a tour of Soão and explains the concept of this peculiar space made up of three different spaces: the terrace, the counter on the ground floor and the lower floor. It seems that we are suddenly in a faraway destination that evokes the vibrant atmosphere of an Asian street market. We are in Lisbon but when we go down to the Soão’s lower floor, we are transported to another rhythm, more cozy and shrouded in mystery. A narrow, dimly lit corridor gives access to the bar and the four reserved compartments (Kimono, Bamboo, Silk and Velvet), each with its own decoration and light that give it a unique privacy.
All around us reign the deep red tones, the old golds and the expertly cut wooden panels, a certain decadent luxury and a tenuous and intoxicating sensuality that leaves no one indifferent. We will embark on an adventure that honors the culinary culture of Japan, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea, an authentic experience of Asian cuisine in all its diversity. Our living room has access to a window overlooking the kitchen on the lower floor. In it vibrate the perfumes of spices and the unrest typical of an Asian tavern.
The menu stands out for its creativity, with tasty dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We start with the Couvert and the Japanese entry of Robata no Hotate (scallop robata seared in butter, shimeji mushrooms and nikiri sauce), a delicious dish that arrives at the table in flames! This is followed by Dim Sum with champagne, lobster and prawns and Gua Bao with soft shell crab with kimchi mayonnaise, cucumber and Asian pear (both from Canton). And because the classics never fail, we tried the Shrimp and Scallop Pad Thai, a very popular Thai dish, lightly spiced and well balanced, with sweet, salty and sour flavors that combine perfectly. Lovers of Japanese cuisine also have a privileged space here. This was followed by a platter with different pieces of Sushi and Sashimi, visually beautiful and fresh on the palate.
Accompanying the meal, Vasco Martins, Soão’s head bartender, offered us some cocktails, two of them with very suggestive names, Papua and Jaipur, delicious and refreshing. The bar menu is also genuine and faithful to Asian customs. We finished with sake, which accompanied the desserts: an original Creamy coconut curry cake with salted caramel ice cream and the Japanese cheesecake with matcha ice cream. Perfect shot! In Soão, no two experiences are the same, so we want to come back many times and embark on the most varied journeys.
By Carla Branco
INFO @ www.soao.pt