A Symphony of Flavors: A Thai-Peruvian Masterpiece in Arequipa
Arequipa, a city renowned for its colonial charm, has unveiled a culinary gem that transcends borders and tantalizes the senses. My recent dining experience at a Thai-Peruvian fusion restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary.
The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was enveloped in an ambiance that was both inviting and sophisticated. Every detail, from the lighting to the decor, created a perfect backdrop for the culinary journey that awaited. The service was impeccable, with Oscar, our waiter, exuding a warmth and professionalism that made us feel truly welcome. His attentiveness and efficiency were matched only by his knowledge of the menu.
The culinary masterpiece began with the Chicken rolls and ChipChi Bao - a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that was a delightful prelude to what was to come. The green curry chicken was a revelation, a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and aromatic, each bite a symphony of taste. The accompanying rice was the ideal complement, absorbing the rich flavors of the curry.
But the evening's grand finale was the Q'ELLO PHUYU dessert. This audacious combination of white chocolate, lemongrass, pineapple, and pisco, topped with mango and coconut foam, was a sensory explosion. It was a dessert that challenged expectations and delighted the palate in equal measure.
Behind this culinary triumph is the visionary Chef Kent. His ability to seamlessly meld the vibrant flavors of Thailand with the rich heritage of Peru is nothing short of genius. Each dish was a testament to his skill and passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences.
This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for food lovers seeking a truly unique and extraordinary culinary adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend this hidden gem to anyone visiting Arequipa. It is a must-visit for those who appreciate the art of fusion cuisine and the passion that goes into...
Read moreWe had an amazing experience at Kao. I had read mixed reviews online so I wasn’t too sure what to expect; but we were extremely happy that we visited. My advice is not to go in with certain expectations of what you think the cuisine or dishes should be like - it is marketed as Thai/Peruvian ‘fusion’, and that is obviously open to the chef’s interpretation. So just go with an open mind and enjoy the delicious food and flavours and you won’t be disappointed - we certainly weren’t!! We didn’t have a booking and the place was packed (7.00pm on a Thursday), but we were seated within about 15 minutes. The Kao sour, a pisco sour with Asian spices including ginger and lemongrass, was delicious and very refreshing. We shared the green curry ceviche which was beautiful and very well-balanced. The ‘kausa’ was also a highlight - it was brought to our table still covered with a glass lid, which was then removed to release the steam and flavour which was fun. The curried potato itself was delicious and the accompaniments, including prawns, were perfect. We also tried the chocolate mousse flavoured with muña for dessert, which was a perfect way to end the meal. The service was fantastic and we enjoyed everything about the experience. The meal itself was one of the most expensive we have had in Peru, but we did essentially have three courses and two drinks each which will obviously add up; if we didn’t do that it would’ve been a fairly standard price for that level of restaurant. Still, we came away thinking it was money well spent. Would...
Read moreBased on the reviews I had high expectations, but unfortunately I was disappointed. The food and service are OK, but the portions are small and it is relatively expensive compared to other restautants. In the end, I think it is a bit overrated.
Food: * The green curry ceviche is a nice twist but seems to be prepared on the spot as the fish is soaked in stead of cooked in the lime juice. Tacu Thai BBQ is good, but could be better if less salty. Mashed satay is a boring dish and does not have anything to do with Thai food. It's just a (well prepared) chicken skewer without much taste in a luke-warm sauce of mashed potatoes.
Portions: ** Quite small. I left hungry...
Service: * None of the cold rolls were available as a starter. We waited more than half an hour on our starter, while it was not busy. We specifically asked to share dishes, but we each got served our own dish. If it is not possible to share (other than exchanging plates halfway), just tell us...We also got a wrong bill.
Price: ** prices are significantly higher than the menu prices on Google maps and have increased more than other restautants we visited. E.g. the Tacu Thai BBQ is now 40 Sol. I think the price is too high for what you get and I have eaten better and more for less.
Setting: ** a matter of taste, but it's an...
Read more