JNcQUOI Asia: an immersive experience in Asian gastronomy without leaving Avenida da Liberdade – Gastronomy

By Tânia Fernandes (text) and António Silva (photography)

O JNcQUOI Asia is that restaurant where the fantastic intertwines with the mundane. As we savor the exotic, meticulously prepared dishes, we ponder: do dragons only exist in the imagination or are there more mysteries to discover in this vast world?

We open the door to a gastronomic journey that echoes the achievements of Portuguese explorers. In the heart of Lisbon, on Avenida da Liberdade, the JNcQUOI Asia is a cultural and culinary fusion restaurant. With its mother house a few doors up, unapologetically luxurious and hedonistic, JNcQUOI Asia is a kind of irreverent brother, the cosmopolitan traveler, which explores the cuisine of India, Thailand, China and Japan.

The entire reservation process, reception at the door, welcome at the entrance and escort to the table is carried out in a personalized and attentive way, by different people. Yes, we haven’t even put anything in our mouths yet and we already feel special and very welcome.

With our feet in the main room, we are transported to a universe where the border between the real and the imaginary becomes blurred. The eyes are immediately drawn to the central element that dominates the space: an imposing, golden skeleton of a Dragon. Suspended in the air with surreal grandeur. This legendary symbol sets the tone for a truly extraordinary experience. The natural light that flows through the room’s large windows highlights the intricate details of the bones.

The main room of the JNcQUOI Asia evokes a sense of fascination similar to that felt when exploring the dinosaur room at the Natural History Museum in London. Just as we come across the remains of creatures that we only know through fossils and legends, here we are confronted with the presence of a mythical being that challenges our understanding of reality. Doubt hangs in the air as we sit at the table, leafing through the extensive menu full of exotic and tempting flavors.

Inspired by the maritime routes that connected Portugal to India, Thailand, China and Japan, this gastronomic enclave offers a sensorial journey through four distinct Asian cuisines.

From the exotic spices of India to the aromatic dishes of Thailand, including refined Chinese cuisine and the art of Japanese sushi, JNcQUOI Asia offers a panoply of flavors. Every detail has been meticulously designed to transport diners on a journey through the flavors and aromas of distant lands.

We started the gastronomic journey with one of the starters that integrates the Menu Chef Preferencesas well as the Best Seller Menu from JNcQUOI Asia: the JNcQUOI Tuna Tartare with Caviar and Wontons (42 euros). A dish that is finished at the table, with the tartar being coated in egg yolk, lemon and truffle oil, under our eyes.

In the entries we also see the extensive letter of Dim Sums and we selected the Crispy Crab Dumpling (19 euros). Comes two units of one dumpling Crab fry with Chilli mayonnaise and Black Tobiko. Crispy, crunchy and very exotic.

We still Dim Sums, but steamed, we tried the Mushroom Dumpling (15 euros). Serves 4 units of dumpling of Shiitake and Pleurotus mushrooms with Bamboo. It’s worth closing your eyes to lock your senses into the taste and truly appreciate it.

In terms of main dishes, on this first visit to JNcQUOI Asia we couldn’t help but opt ​​for options Chef Preferences: Chicken Tikka Masala Curry (30 euros), the Indian curry with chicken tandooriaccompanied by rice basmati It is chapati. A curry dish, present on many Indian menus, which stands out here for its exceptional creaminess and irresistible aroma.

The other unmissable dish for a first experience is the Pad Thai Goong (33 euros). Rice dough sautéed with prawns, tamarind, palm sugar, mung bean sprouts and peanuts.

At the end of the meal, they bring us a tray with all the desserts available and the description of each of them makes it even more difficult for us to choose! The final selection was an Apricot and Pennyroyal Confit with Chocolate and Almond (11 euros) and a Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Tart (11 euros). Excellent combination of ingredients, balanced. They are not too sweet, offering an experience that pleases even the most sugar-sensitive palates.

At the end of the meal, we took the opportunity to discover the other spaces at JNcQUOI Asia. Bar Ganda (the name given by the Lusitanians to the first rhinoceros that set foot on European territory). A DJ livened up the space, where visitors can enjoy a wide selection of creative cocktails and drinks premium. It is the perfect place to relax and socialize.

We also found an outdoor area, where meals are also served, which aims to recreate the atmosphere of a walk through the busy streets of Tokyo, Bangkok and Hong Kong. The Terrace has a brightly colored garden and is surrounded by neon signage and vegetation.

The terrace of JNcQUOI Asia

credits: CH Magazine

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We also take a look at the latest room at JNcQUOI Asia. A secret door took us from the bar to Frou-Frou. Here diners can have an immersive dining experience, which takes them to the mysterious corners of underground China in the 1920s. The meal here is complemented with surprising performances.

Overall, all rooms at JNcQUOI Asia are exquisitely decorated and guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience.

JNcQUOI Asia is located at 144 Avenida da Liberdade, in Lisbon. Open from Sunday to Wednesday, between 12:00 and 00:00 and from Thursday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 2:00.