Pan Asian Delights | Shao | Park Plaza | Bangalore

Park Plaza Bengaluru is a 5 star hotel located strategically at Marathahalli, Outer Ring Road in close proximity to the multiple business parks in the area. Though it is now not entirely visible thanks to the high rise buildings around it, the hotel still exudes the energy and charm of a business and leisure hotel in it’s own way. The hotel offers business, leisure and wellness services and has 5 dining options of which Shao, the Pan Asian restaurant caught my attention and hence warranted a visit. 

Shao is primarily a fine dine Pan Asian restaurant serving the authentic asian cuisine from China, Japan, Thailand and Korea for business delegates and stay in guests. The ambience is welcoming and the decor is minimalistic yet with its own charm. One cannot miss the abundance of red across the entire restaurant and with the dimmed lighting it relaxes you into your meal. I visited this restaurant with my hubby for a leisure weekday lunch and was surprised to see quite a few tables occupied by families as well as business associates.  

They also have a set menu for couples as well as individuals without burning too much of hole in your pocket! 

We decided to refresh ourselves with a few beverages with the Mojito for myself and Tavern Orange mocktail for the hubby. Though we normally do not try the soup since we both love to indulge in appetizers, we tried their Tomyum Goong soup which turned out to be an explosion of flavours and a perfect way to begin our lunch. 

The appetizers we tried were Prawn Tempura, Kung Pao Chicken, Veg Pot sticker, Chicken Pot sticker and Non Veg Sushi Platter. The Prawn Tempura is one of my favourite appetizer though I normally order it only when I feel the dish will retain its authenticity and in this case I was delighted that it tasted just that. 

I loved the way the Pot Stickers were served showcasing their Chef’s originality. The dumplings were soft and the filling was delicious and tasted amazing with the spicy soy side. Though I was not expecting much from the Sushi Platter here, I was pleasantly surprised with the Chef’s take on prawn, salmon and avocado sushi. 

The Kung Pao Chicken is my hubby’s favourite and the appetizer was perfect with its sauces oozing flavour. While we were contemplating our choices for the main course, our attendant was gracious to serve us Chinese greens with Water Chestnut which again is one of choices not only for its health quotient but because of the flavours such a simple preparation imparts. 

For our Main course, we opted for Thai Basil Fried Rice and Singapore Noodles along with Fish in Black Pepper and Shredded Lamb with Trio Bell Pepper. The Thai Basil Fried Rice had a wonderful aroma and I knew it was a winner before even a bite. It is pleasing to know that a handful of restaurants in Bangalore stick to serving authentic dishes such as these rather than the usual “fried rice” we normally are served. 

Both the Fish in Black Pepper and Shredded Lamb with Trio Bell Pepper blended well with the Basil rice and Singapore noodles. Though I would definitely recommend not missing this Fish dish. 

What meant to be leisure turned out just that and ended with a Crispy fresh fruit roll with mango ice cream which was not too sweet and perfect way to end our meal. 

Based on my experience dining out at many Pan Asian restaurants across Bangalore over the last month, I would definitely recommend giving Shao a chance if you love Pan Asian cuisine. 

OVERALL :

Ambiance – 4.0/5 

Service/Hospitality – 4.5/5

Food Taste – 4.5/5

Beverages– 4.0/5 

Quantity/Quality – 4.5/5

Value for Money – 4.0/5