Zao Asian Cafe Review
Recently opened in downtown Salt Lake City, Zao Asian Café is “a new way to experience Asian food.” They’re an Asian Fusion, dine-in or carry-out restaurant that serves Vietnamese Bahni Mi sandwiches, Korean tacos, and Asian inspired salads and rice or noodle bowls in a Café Rio-like counter service setting.
This restaurant not only has amazing flavor, they have one of the friendliest sets of employees I’ve ever encountered in a fast-food type setting. I was greeted right away and asked if this was my first time at Zao. After answering yes, the employee explained how the restaurant worked and offered me samples of anything I was curious about ordering.
I ended up ordering the Chili Lemongrass Rice Bowl with chicken, wok-seared vegetables, ginger scallions, and carrot daikon. It was delightful! The dish had a zesty flavor that spoke of fresh, top-notch ingredients. The vegetables were the perfect texture of crispy in combination with the soft chewiness of the rice. Even as I write this, I am craving more!
One thing I must add is the Chili Lemongrass comes back like a ninja. Having chili in its name, you would think I would have expected the spice; but at first bite, the Chili Lemongrass had a sweet and tangy flavor that lowered my guard for when the aftertaste of spicy-hot chili made its appearance. Even though it took me by surprise, I absolutely loved it (and I don’t usually like hot). If you love hot and spice, you will love the Chili Lemongrass.
Zao also offers a range of organic sodas, Thai iced teas, and Vietnamese hot coffees.
Zao Asian Café is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 639 East 400 South in downtown Salt Lake City.
Follow them on the ZaoAsianCafe Facebook page.
Posted by Anie
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