Eat

In the heart of downtown Oporto, this unique restaurant takes us on a trip through several Asian countries, thanks to an amazing drinks menu and a passport with traditional dishes from 11 countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Japan, China and India.

Between starters, main courses, soups and desserts, the hard part is choosing what to order – fortunately, there is always someone available to help us out and to make sure we don’t order any dishes that are incompatible with possible food allergies. With vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, there are so many flavors to discover.

During our visit to Boa-Bao, we chose dishes from different countries and it was very interesting to see that, although they all have distinct flavors, they balance each other perfectly within such a complete meal. For those who prefer more familiar flavors, there are equally delicious options that don’t make the experience any less fantastic.

Vegetarian samosas, fried beef jerky strips, fresh sea bass soup, fried squid, classic pork belly Bao, fried rice, pad thai, steamed sea bass fillet, coconut crème brûlée, Japanese mochi, pineapple carpaccio... whatever you choose, it will surely be magnificent. Everything we tasted was delicious, expertly prepared, and plated in an elegant and traditional way.

Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients (some of them grown in the restaurant itself!) and cooked at the time. The decor, inspired by a 1920s Saigon canteen, blends in perfectly with the dishes that make the table more colorful and arrive accompanied by curiosities that bring us closer to oriental culture. The cocktails and mocktails, served in jars with different stories and straws (made from straw), imported from a female prison in Berlin (thus supporting a project created by female inmates), demonstrates the importance of sustainability, social responsibility and the environment to the entire Boa-Bao family.

Boa-Bao is an unforgettable place that provides an incredible experience, whether it's a dinner for two or a late lunch with friends (for groups of 10 to 40 people, reservations can be made). The important thing is to travel while sitting at the table, with an open mind and eager to explore different flavors and textures.

Cool Tip: Besides their concern for the environment and sustainability, this is a pet-friendly restaurant. Four-legged companions are just as welcome as their owners – the staff even places a bowl of water by their side, so they’re comfortable and looked after.