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What do an American, a Dutch and a Belgian Chef have in common? A passion for Asian culture and cuisine that resulted in the creation of Boa-Bao. This is an Asian restaurant and cocktail bar that aims to create a bridge between Portugal and Asia through the palate.

The place, inspired by a Saigon canteen of the 1920s, which still maintains the original ceiling and floor, emanates a relaxed, casual and intimate atmosphere. The name results from the combination of the word "Bao" (a typical Thai bread) which also means something precious, with the word "boa" (good) - from hearing the Portuguese expression "tudo na boa" (everything is good). This created a catchy and hard to forget name, but the name will not be the reason why your visit to Boa-Bao will be unforgettable!

We started by choosing the drinks, it's impossible not to refer to the menu, in a "passport" style that seems to really set the tone for the beginning of the trip. In Boa-Bao the offer of cocktails and mocktails is very rich, the worst part is choosing among the various signature options! We tried the classic Boa Uau Cocktail, the Rempha Mocktail, sweeter, and the Qing Mocktail, more citric.

The menu is presented in a very cute way in a travel diary, and has a selection of over 50 options. The concept of pan-Asian cuisine here means that there are traditional dishes from different countries and, here, no dish is reinvented, reinterpreted or merged. Made at the moment, on request and always with fresh ingredients, Boa- Bao's dishes take us on a journey that can be tasted. And what a tasty journey!

The hardest thing about this place is to highlight what we liked best! We tasted the vegetarian dim sum assortment and the fried sun dried beef strips isaan style - both wonderful - and also the classic pork belly Gua Bao with hoisin and pickled vegetables. As main dishes, we tasted the Indonesian vegetarian curry, with okra and eggplant, accompanied by Sticky Rice; steamed sea bass fillets, with lime, chili, garlic and pakchoy with fried rice; and finally, Japchae, a dish of Korean sweet potato noodles stir-fried with beef. Besides the dishes' presentation, which seems to perfectly merge with the decoration and environment, at Boa-Bao we feel immersed in the oriental culture! The desserts are the only section of the menu in which Boa-Bao's team placed a touch of creativity, the Chef created a set of delicious options with an adaptation to the Asian tradition and flavors. We tasted the Coconut Crème Brûlée with basil & lemongrass, and the black sesame dumplings with black sesame stuffing, lychee tea, jackfruit and ginger - all delicious!

The impeccable quality, the relaxed place and the attentive staff are just some of the factors that make Boa-Bao a very requested place. Since there's no reservation option, go ahead and avoid peak hours (1 p.m. and 8 p.m.). There's also the take-away option so you can enjoy Boa-Bao's amazing cuisine in the comfort of your sofa!

Cool Tip: Visit Boa-Bao on special occasions, like the Chinese New Year, and enjoy the special menus that the team prepares for you! You can choose to mix dishes from the special menu and dishes from the usual menu, without limitations.