SD discovered Asian cuisine on a glamorous plate on a visit to Soy by Sato.
Soy by Sato has recently reopened in Doha’s newest and most glamorous destination – Gewan Island at The Pearl Qatar. We pick a weekend for our visit and the location already promises a memorable evening.
Founders Muneera and Sheikha certainly cooked up a storm when they created Soy by Sato. From Bangkok to Bali and Phuket to Hong Kong, the ladies traversed far and wide to discover the best of Asia and serve it to us on a platter at Qatar’s very first homegrown Asian fusion restaurant.
And every single detail in this space tells a story. The intricate carvings on the wall and the art are really standout – we notice silhouettes of Asian figures and the bird that inspired part of the restaurant’s branding story. Tall curved mirrors add some depth and drama to the backdrop making the space very photogenic.
Soft, moody lighting creates a cosy ambience and gold lamps atop marble-topped tables add extra warmth. This space perfectly brings together art, culture and imagination.
The restaurant manager introduces himself. and we are ready to tuck into Sheikha and Muneera’s specially crafted menu. The Spicy Crab Salad immediately grabs our attention. A delicious homemade dressing and tempura flakes on top make this a great summer dish. The avocado adds a fresh, creamy touch.
The manager recommends the Short Ribs Bao and one of the venue’s best sellers – the Korean Cauliflower. Let’s be honest, there is absolutely nothing attractive about a cauliflower. But, we’re intrigued. If this is a top dish, there must be something more to it than meets the sound (of cauliflower). Spoiler – it tastes nothing like the vegetable and it’s clear why everyone loves it. Deep-fried bits of the cruciferous veggie are marinated and tossed in a sweet, spicy and sticky sauce. This dish is addictive!
The Short Ribs Baos taste exactly as we expect. Delicate shredded ribs sit alongside a spicy mayo, in between a bao with the perfect amount of fluff.
The Signature Yuzu Roll arrives next and we notice the white nori – quite the artistic touch. The yuzu sauce on top adds notes of summer to a satisfying shrimp tempura roll, with a little kick of spice from the togarashi.
Another unforgettable dish, the Tiger Prawns with Yuzu Sauce and Butter, is easily one of our favourites this evening. Beautifully presented in a large shrimp shell, the prawns are basted in loads of butter and sprinkled with spice – it’s an elegant combination of seafood and summer.
We’re starting to reach capacity but the mains are only just arriving. The great thing about pan-Asian cuisine is the diversity of flavours and textures, and we’re always awaiting the next surprise.
The Wagyu Noodles combine the softest tenderloin with perfectly cooked noodles that hold just the right amount of bite. We’re savouring every forkful of this umami affair while giving careful consideration to the Chicken Katsu Curry that sits next to it. This popular Asian curry is done right here and the breaded chicken is not greasy, thankfully.
The finale is a grand one – the Sweet Bao with Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream is an epic ending to our Asian night. We relish the decadence of the silky caramel sauce mixed in with the softest vanilla ice cream.
And the Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved dessert, even for those who aren’t fans of Asian cuisine. This Thai export is beautifully presented with a luscious coconut cream sauce and fresh, juicy mangoes – a wonderful representation of a favourite dish.
Dining at Soy by Sato is like going on a culinary journey through familiar flavours that we love with unique twists that impress. The manager and his team make everything better with flawless service, attention to detail and genuinely great vibes. If you’re ever passing by Gewan Island, it’s an absolute must try. D
GO: CALL 5563 3533 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.
