Zao Vietnamese Restaurant
I think Shangrila Plaza (mall) has lots of good shopping areas but an unimpressive range of restaurants. The only place I visited before were Kettle (not my favorite but it's consistently decent) and Duck & Buvette.
I always lamented to my companion how I couldn't even rely on a go-to restaurant whenever I'm there.
Well, that changed when I decided to eat at Zao.
The way they cook their fish makes it convenient for the diners. As seen in the photo, they separate the meat from the bones so you can easily pry it off upon eating. The catfish was also cooked just right--the fish is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ginger fish sauce is far from spicy as the menu claims it to be, but it complements the flavor of the fried fish well.
But. This is my favorite from Zao. Their tempura-battered salt and pepper squid that's tender and flavorful is the best thing you can order from here. By itself, the salt and pepper squid is already delicious (and good to pair with rice imo). But the soy-lime dipping sauce takes it to another level. It's distinctly salty and sour but not extremely so. Dipping the salt and pepper squid into this concoction elevates the flavor. I never thought I'd find the dipped version more impressive than on its own, but they deftly made this so.
Not a lot of people eat at this restaurant which is unfortunate. The restaurant staff is courteous and accommodating, plus the food is actually good (and their iced tea blends are too!). It would be a shame if this disappeared... then I'd have to look for another reliable place to eat. Ugh.
Finally, a restaurant at Shang I wouldn't mind visiting over and over.
TFD's rating - ♡♡♡♡
Zao is located at Level 5, East Wing (new building), Shangrila Plaza Mall.
I always lamented to my companion how I couldn't even rely on a go-to restaurant whenever I'm there.
Well, that changed when I decided to eat at Zao.
 |
| Deep-fried catfish with spicy ginger fish sauce |
The way they cook their fish makes it convenient for the diners. As seen in the photo, they separate the meat from the bones so you can easily pry it off upon eating. The catfish was also cooked just right--the fish is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ginger fish sauce is far from spicy as the menu claims it to be, but it complements the flavor of the fried fish well.
 |
| Salt and pepper squid with soy-lime dipping sauce |
But. This is my favorite from Zao. Their tempura-battered salt and pepper squid that's tender and flavorful is the best thing you can order from here. By itself, the salt and pepper squid is already delicious (and good to pair with rice imo). But the soy-lime dipping sauce takes it to another level. It's distinctly salty and sour but not extremely so. Dipping the salt and pepper squid into this concoction elevates the flavor. I never thought I'd find the dipped version more impressive than on its own, but they deftly made this so.
Not a lot of people eat at this restaurant which is unfortunate. The restaurant staff is courteous and accommodating, plus the food is actually good (and their iced tea blends are too!). It would be a shame if this disappeared... then I'd have to look for another reliable place to eat. Ugh.
Finally, a restaurant at Shang I wouldn't mind visiting over and over.
TFD's rating - ♡♡♡♡
Zao is located at Level 5, East Wing (new building), Shangrila Plaza Mall.
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