A modern take on Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisines in Sheikh Zayed.
Mantra: #thefareastheadswest
Type of cuisine: Gourmet Asian
Signature dishes: Sushi, Shrimp in Green Curry sauce, and Beef Teriyaki.
Dishes sampled and ingredients: As a hard-core fan of the original L’Asiatique in Zamalek, expectations were definitely high. Dinner began with a prologue of Hot & Sour soup, a thick and hearty Thai seafood soup made with shrimp, calamari, egg, green onion, coriander, and garlic; perfect for the cold rainy weather of the night. Next came the Wang Salad, consisting of fresh greens, a thick peanut sauce, topped with sesame. The greens were the perfect vessel for this rich sauce, soaking it all up. Following our salad, we were immediately served our sushi selection for the evening. A visually delightful platter of seared tuna topped with thinly sliced fried garlic and fresh green onion, Mexican Roll (raw tuna, Sriracha sauce, and spicy mayo sauce), Konafa Roll (tempura shrimp and Philadelphia cream cheese in fried konafa topped with sweet chilli sauce). The sushi was definitely up to par, as one would expect of the L’Asiatique name. Served alongside the sushi were two platters of fried goodness. The first was by far the star of the evening: a new take on L’Asiatique’s traditional Pad Thai spring roll. A perfect roll stuffed with glass noodles and peanut sauce accompanied by tamarind sauce for dipping. The crunchy exterior followed by the thick and warm interior ending in a tangy tamarind note was a definite hit. 
The other fried platter was Shrimp Bonbon: little deep-fried satchels stuffed with shrimp with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, succulent tiny bites perfect for a deep-fried indulgence. After a much-needed breathing break, our main courses descended. The Stir-Fried Beef was made with the most tender beef cuts this reviewer has ever consumed, accompanied by glass noodles with vegetables. Our other main course was L’Asiatique’s signature Shrimp in Green Curry Sauce, served with vegetable-fried rice. The spicy, velvety green sauce was rich and aromatic and exceptionally made! For dessert, we were treated to the hot and cold Date Tart, a must try at any of Le Pacha’s venues. A tart of warm dates and cinnamon, topped with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice-cream and finished off with a warm caramel sauce. The other heavenly sweet treat was Nougatine Maison: a cream and vanilla ice-cream with dried fruit topped with a strawberry coulis.
Other menu options that appealed: On our next visit we would definitely like to give some of these a try: Grilled Salmon in Soy & Butter Sauce, Dragon Roll (grilled eel topped with avocado and teriyaki sauce), and the Mont Blanc aux Marrons.
Beverages available: Serves soft drinks, smoothies, mocktails, iced coffees, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages including cocktails and aperitifs.
Décor: A smaller version of the original in Zamalek with the same signature deep pink and lavender seating. Chinese, Japanese and Thai inspired artwork in golden hues, bamboo shooting up in a corner, and Chinese sculptures hanging on the wall behind the bar.
Ambiance: Dim lighting; very chilled pop and dance tunes in the background make conversation easy. Great for a special dinner for two, or for an intimate outing with a small group of friends.
Eat in/ Take-away/ Home delivery: Aside from the eat-in and take-away options, L’Asiatique now delivers inside Sheikh Zayed,
Clientele mix: Dolled up couples and small groups of hip young execs.
Price range: On the pricy side, but worth the treat!
Address: Arkan Mall, El Sheikh Zayed
Opening hours: Everyday from 5pm to 12 am, Friday from 2pm to 12 am.
Telephone: +20 112 220 8881
Facebook page: LePacha1901West
Instagram: lepachawest
