Do you have a restaurant somewhere in the world that always provides a memorable night and good food? For me, that place is Cho Gao at the Crowne Plaza in Abu Dhabi. When I recently saw the launch of the Taste of Japan menu, I contacted the hotel to see if I could come in a review (as it had been awhile since my last visit). To my delight, they agreed.
While the Taste of Japan is not precisely reinventing anything on the menu, one of my favorite things about the Cho Gao menu is the range of options. There is something to order under almost every type of Asian cuisine (sushi, noodles, curries, and rice dishes – oh my!). While I tend to stick to my classics (Wasabi Prawns (AED58), Green or Yellow Curry with chicken (AED68), the latter which gets all the points for depth of flavor), it was nice to sample something different. In this case, the Caramel Maki (AED55) and the Spicy Tuna roll (AED40). While certainly no wheels are being reinvented here, the presentation was pleasant, and both were dishes I would order again.
For the record, I always seem to manage at least two meals out of whatever I order at Cho Gao, which is something I always appreciate in a restaurant. Across the board, prices are quite reasonable (and it used to be the one coupon in the Entertainer I could always count on using up), and the drinks menu has plenty to keep everyone happy.
Would I go back? Of course! It’s one of my favorite low-key places to meet in Abu Dhabi, and I highly recommend it for a great place to catch up with friends. If you’ve not been before, certain evenings can get quite busy, so plan to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
What’s your favorite thing to order at Cho Gao?
A to Za’atar was a guest of Cho Gao. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.
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