A MEAL WORTH A 1000 WORDS

When one thinks of experiencing it all, ZENGO is surely one of the names that comes up. It was about time we sent our Local Editor, ANUSHAY KHAN, to give this restaurant a go. We’re glad to say that Zengo roped in another foodie with hearts in her eyes…

Lately, a lot of people were asking me to try Zengo because of the picturesque views it gives of the city. Well, you know the life of an editor; I do all the listings and sometimes, because of all the places I go to, we do tend to pick our favourites. I was honestly surprised that I have not tried this Richard Sandoval restaurant as Toro Toro was already one of my favourites in town. I really wasn’t sure what was the new thing that I could try at this place which wasn’t already presented. It was the same owner, right?

Oh, how wrong, dear friends. The moment the doors opened; all I did was gasp. Let’s just say that my entire three hours session at this restaurant was a series of gasps throughout. Situated on the 61st floor of Kempinski Residence and Suites, Westbay, I was presented with one of the most beautiful views one could possibly imagine. I overlooked the city I have grown to love and couldn’t help and get posing for a few Insta and wallpaper worthy pictures. All the Insta stories and pictures I have seen of this restaurant and its view fall weak in front of the experience of being there itself. So, this is why its famous. I had already made up my mind that the view was the best that Zengo could be.

Oh, don’t I love being wrong. The minute I was introduced to my drinks I knew that I was going to be blown away. The presentation for something as simple as your drink can make such a huge impact, I learned this the day I was served at Zengo. My drink came decorated in a cage and adorned with a beautiful Lily, making it the most beautiful mocktail that I have had – until I had the second one which came in an aquarium looking box and I just sat there, thinking about the effort they put into a DRINK!

“All the Insta stories and pictures I have seen of this restaurant and its view fall weak in front of the experience of being there itself.”

 

Turns out, that was just the beginning. I feel like the staff at Zengo had made it their personal agenda to ‘Wow!’ me over this splendid evening. As the sun slowly set on an ordinary Tuesday evening, Zengo made it more than extraordinary with their exemplary food and presentation. My appetizers, which started with three different types of sushi included the spicy lobster and my favourite New Volcano, a papaya pomelo salad and a scallop ceviche served in a pearl, I couldn’t believe that every single dish was calling out to me. As I knew that there was more to come, the fried Maki rolls, the delicious wagyu beef tiradito, avocado and mango topped A5 wagyu roll and I had a hard time saying goodbye. Something as simple as pineapple with a blend of the sev could blow me away? I never thought I was THAT easy.

Speaking of easy, have you ever cried tears of happiness over chicken shrimp gyoza? Well, I did this particular night. That and the cereal prawn had me licking my fingers and crying out of desperation for being unable to have more because who am I if I don’t absolutely fall head over heels in love with excellent food?

 

The fact that every dish had its own distinctive flavours inspired from Asian roots and experimental notes with Peruvian cuisine which brought forth this culinary delight that surpassed my expectations. When the tiger prawns were presented and I tasted the buttery cheese on top, I could not help but take a serving which was bigger than the usual one. The beef short ribs melted at my touch and simply oozed of the classic BBQ glazing and I found myself begging the chef for the recipe. It is simply not fair to create divine food like this and not bestow us peasants with the recipe, I tell you!

This was the first time in my life that I wasn’t even waiting for the dessert. If my culinary journey had gone to such heights with the first round of drinks, what could dessert possibly give me that I hadn’t already drooled over? Well, it apparently gave me honey comb cake that came with home-made caramel that popped in my mouth, honey ice cream that I tried for the first time in my sweet 29 years and a molten lava looking chili chocolate pudding that had Kashmiri chilli in it. Yep, you read that right and yep, your mouth watering is justified. From the warm, enhanced bite of the chocolate to the pop of caramel, the nitrogen smoke for the aesthetics and the biggest smile on my face; I was challenged to write this review because I was truly lost for words during my culinary expedition at this magnificent place. As the city lit up and announced my departure, I couldn’t help but wish I could pack all the servings and live through this experience again. Worry not, my loves, you’re all going to be seeing me posing with the spectacular mocktails in my hand as I show off the exemplary skills, I experienced at Zengo.

@zengodoha / zengodoha.com

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