In the heart of the Invicta, where the Douro River meets the cobblestone streets, lies an odyssey of flavors that transcends borders. Along with Port wine and the famous francesinha, the city offers a gastronomic panoply that challenges the palate of the adventurous to embark on a true discovery. If you’re in the city or plan to visit, take a chance and embark on a journey through Asia without leaving Portugal.

Boa-Bao

Rua da Picaria 61 65, 4050-477

When you enter Boa-Bao, it’s impossible to look away from the decor. At a glance, you feel like you’re in a 1920s Asian market, and your attention is drawn to the immersive experience that the restaurant presents. Each dish is a celebration of the diversity and cultural richness that permeates Asian cuisine, including China, Thailand and Japan, among many other places. The menu, which is one of those that leaves you indecisive, also has vegan and gluten-free options. Starting with the entreé, I suggest the classic pork belly bao with hoisin and pickled vegetables, a splendid mix of flavors and textures. As a main dish, my choice is torn between the black tiger pad thai with rice noodles, sautéed vegetables and egg, and eddy’s hanoi phô, with Vietnamese beef broth, rice noodles, spices and soy sprouts.

Ramen Shifu

Rua de Cedofeita 378, 4050-126

If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, you’re sure to become a fan of Ramen Shifu. The place is part of a chain of restaurants that opened its doors in 2017 in Madrid. Here you can eat ramen – a type of traditional Japanese noodle dish, served in a meat or vegetable broth – and the diversity of the menu is huge. The meal is chosen via a tablet, on which you can customize your order, and it’s also a round trip to Japan, without even leaving your seat. With vegan and spicy options, Ramen Shifu Japanese cuisine lovers an experience that is both comforting and unforgettable. For appetizers, I recommend trying the gyozas, whether chicken or vegetable, and the crispy fried chicken bao bun. The shichu ramen – with Taiwanese-style stewed meat, soy sprouts, pak choi, egg, chives and homemade broth – was the highlight of my last visit, along with the passion fruit mochi, which rounded off the meal in style.

Nood

Praça de Carlos Alberto 92, 4050-526

What fascinates me most about Asian restaurants is their ability to immerse you in its space. Either through the décor, the layout of the tables or the cultural elements and the vibrant colors, and Nood is no exception. The tradition of Asian cuisine, combined with an innovative touch, the fusion of textures and the balance of spices are, as you would expect, the invitation to a gastronomic journey. From rice to noodles, with or without broth, Nood offers a diverse selection of dishes that explore the different tastes of the continent. If you want to follow my advice, you really can’t miss the opportunity to try the chicken or vegetable gyozas, as well as the spring rolls.

Bao’s

Rua de Cedofeita 263, 4050-174

Bao’s represents an innovative twist on the classic burger. By combining the juiciness of the fillings with the softness of the Taiwanese bao bun, it transports you to an experience inspired by the vibrant streets of Taiwan. Each item on the menu, from the bao to the rice bowls to the noodle soups, is a symphony of textures and aromas with a unique and innovative approach. My suggestion is that you try this reinvented burger, whether it’s pork, tofu, chicken or even crab tempura. As a good lover of noodles, I couldn’t fail to suggest the danzai noodle soup, with minced braised pork belly, pork broth, prawns, garlic and spring onions.

Kanpai Downtown

Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 298, 4000-069

Last but not least, a trip to Asia isn’t complete without tasting good sushi, right? For lovers of sashimi, temaki or hot rolls, this is the go-to restaurant to transcend borders and be transported, through the palate, to the bustling streets of Tokyo. The minimalistic décor draws your attention to detail and provides a setting that is as immersive as each dish on the menu. My recommendation is to order the Kanpai festival, which includes a tasting of four Japanese entrées, a salmon and cream cheese temaki and a chef’s choice selection of sushi and sashimi. Another good option is the executive menu, available for lunch only, from Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.