Flame-O: A Review of Tao – Pan Asian Cuisine

Hey, it’s me, your friendly neighborhood food blogger, and oh boy, have I got a treat for you! As an avid enthusiast of food, I’m constantly in search of my next culinary kick by devouring all the food joints in town. And trust me when I say that this time? It’s something truly special. Today, I’m taking you on a journey to the land of the rising sun, or rather the rising wok: Tao – Pan Asian Cuisine. 

Let me tell you, friend – I was blown. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “but, food blogger person, how was the food?”. Well, I don’t want to spoil it all just yet. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on some of Tao’s standout dishes, so keep reading to find out which ones you absolutely can’t miss.

Taste: Bite Outside the Box

The chefs at this place are no ordinary cooks, my friends – they are some of the best among the Chinese restaurants in Karachi. They wield the power to transform dishes into extraordinary ones with just a simple Abra Cadabra!

Let’s talk about the Dynamite Chicken first: when it arrived at my table in a cocktail glass, it looked like a fancy drink with its vibrant red color. But don’t let the presentation fool you – this chicken had some serious kick to it! The batter was crispy and light, and the spicy sauce balances the sweetness and heat.

Next up, the Szechuan Dumplings. These were classic dumplings, but Tao’s chefs added their own unique touch with the Hot & Sour vinegar and chili oil sauce. The steamed dumplings were perfect, with the sauce added just the right amount of tangy heat to each bite.

The Cashew Chicken was a real showstopper. The deep-fried chicken cubes were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The combination of dry long chili, onions, capsicum, and cashew nuts in spicy garlic soy sauce was absolutely divine. I couldn’t get enough. Finally, the Fried Rice with Egg. They went beautifully with the Cashew Chicken and were a masterpiece in their own right.

Price: No Diamond in the Rough

Now, let’s talk price. First of all, check them out below: 

• Dynamite Chicken: PKR 1049
• Szechuan Dumplings: PKR 899
• Cashew Chicken: PKR 1249
• Fried Rice with Egg: PKR 799

Let me give you another shocker: these prices are exclusive of the GST. Yeah, shocking, right?! Yes, I’m aware that these prices are unusually high given the fact that the serving size is very less. And while the food is absolutely drool-worthy, nothing can justify such high prices.  

Service: Hospitality to the Max

The manager was very hospitable and made sure that our experience was top-notch. He walked us through the kitchen, explained the preparation process of each dish, and even answered all our questions related to food allergies. They take food allergies seriously here, so you can eat with peace of mind! But the place was not without its faults. The restaurant does not serve family-style portions – perfect for two people but not enough for a party of four or more. 

Ambience: A Refreshing Twist

The decor at Tao was a perfect blend of corporate and casual. There were lots of natural light streaming through the windows, which gave the place an airy and relaxed feel. The furniture was modern, giving it a sophisticated look. But then there was also this refreshing touch from the indoor plants that made me feel like I was in some kind of tropical paradise. At night, however, artificial light is, so it becomes dark inside – great for a romantic date but not for groups wanting to take pictures together!

Honorable Mentions: From Lobster, with Love

Well, well, well, look who decided to shell out some serious cash (PKR 4299, i.e.) for a fancy lobster dinner! Yes, I’m talking to you, my high-rolling foodie friend. But let me tell you, oh, my lobster goodness, the Lobster with Fried Garlic at Tao was a crustacean delight! With each bite, it was like the lobster was saying, “Garlic, butter, and me, we belong together!” It was as if I was chewing a little piece of heaven – a garlicky, buttery, lobster-y piece of heaven.

Final Verdict

So there you have it, folks! All the reasons why Tao should be your next dining destination. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just dipping your chopsticks into Pan-Asian cuisine, Tao is the perfect destination for you.

Give your palate the extraordinary experience it deserves with Savyour! There is a carefully selected list of Chinese restaurants within your budget, so you can have a fulfilling meal without breaking the bank. Plus, when dine-in or ordering through FoodPanda, you will receive cashback too – allowing for even more value from every penny spent.